On-demand system information

ABSTRACT

A wireless network may provide system information by either a fixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission or in response to a request by a user equipment (UE). The wireless network may broadcast (or broad-beam transmit) a signal that indicates to the UEs within a cell or zone coverage area that system information is to be transmitted on a fixed periodic schedule or in response to a request sent by one or more UEs.

CROSS REFERENCES

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/777,785 by Kubota, et al., entitled “On-Demand SystemInformation” filed Jan. 30, 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/222,588 by Kubota, et al., entitled “On-DemandSystem Information” filed Dec. 17, 2018, which is a ContinuationApplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/803,793 by Kubota, etal, entitled “On-Demand System Information,” filed Jul. 20, 2015, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/114,157 byKubota et al., entitled “On-Demand System Information,” filed Feb. 10,2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/121,326 by Horn etal., entitled “Service Based System Information Acquisition,” filed Feb.26, 2015, assigned to the assignee hereof and expressly incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure, for example, relates to wireless communicationsystems, and more particularly to the transmission of on-demand systeminformation in a wireless communication system, such as a wirelesscommunication system having a user equipment (UE)-centric network.

Description of Related Art

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide varioustypes of communication content such as voice, video, packet data,messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be multiple-accesssystems capable of supporting communication with multiple users bysharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, andpower). Examples of such multiple-access systems include code-divisionmultiple access (CDMA) systems, time-division multiple access (TDMA)systems, frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) systems, andorthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) systems.

By way of example, a wireless multiple-access communication system mayinclude a number of base stations, each simultaneously supportingcommunication for multiple communication devices, otherwise known asuser equipments (UEs). A base station may communicate with UEs ondownlink channels (e.g., for transmissions from a base station to a UE)and uplink channels (e.g., for transmissions from a UE to a basestation).

In a wireless multiple-access communication system, each cell of anetwork may broadcast synchronization signals and system information forUEs to discover. Upon discovering the synchronization signals and systeminformation broadcast by a particular cell, a UE may perform an initialaccess procedure to access the network via the cell. The cell via whichthe UE accesses the network may become the UE's serving cell. As the UEmoves within the network, the UE may discover other cells (e.g.,neighboring cells) and determine whether a handover of the UE to aneighboring cell or a cell reselection is warranted.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communicationsystems, and more particularly to the transmission of on-demand systeminformation in a wireless communication system, such as a wirelesscommunication system having a user equipment (UE)-centric network.Wireless communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE)communication systems or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) communication systems havea network-centric network. In a wireless communication system having anetwork-centric network, the network perpetually broadcastssynchronization signals and system information for UEs to discover. Upondiscovering the synchronization signals and system information broadcastby a particular cell, a UE may perform an initial access procedure toaccess the network via the cell. Once connected to the network, the UEmay discover other cells as it moves within the network. The other cellsmay broadcast different synchronization signals or system information. Awireless communication system having a network-centric network thereforeentails various signal broadcasts, which broadcasts consume power andmay or may not be received or used by some or all of a cell's UEs.

A wireless communication system having a network-centric network alsoplaces relatively more of the network processing on UEs (e.g., a UEidentifies a first serving cell upon initially accessing the network,and then identifies and monitors handover targets (other serving cells)as part of its mobility management). The present disclosure thereforedescribes a wireless communication system in which system informationmay be transmitted after being requested by one or more UEs. In somecases, the system information may be transmitted to a UE in a unicast ornarrow-beam operation. In some cases, the wireless communication systemin which the system information is transmitted may have a UE-centricnetwork.

In a first set of illustrative examples, a method for wirelesscommunication at a user equipment (UE) is described. In oneconfiguration, the method may include receiving a first signal, wherethe first signal includes an indication of whether system information isto be requested by the UE, and obtaining system information inaccordance with the indication.

In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information mayinclude sending a request for system information in accordance with theindication, and receiving system information in response to the request.In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information mayinclude receiving system information via a second signal in accordancewith the indication. The second signal may be transmitted via abroadcast or broad-beam operation. In some embodiments of the method,receiving the first signal may include receiving information indicatingwhere a request for system information is to be sent by the UE. In someembodiments of the method, receiving the first signal may includereceiving information indicating a predetermined channel on which systeminformation is to be transmitted via a second broadcast signal via abroadcast or broad-beam operation. In some embodiments of the method,the first signal may be a synchronization signal.

In some embodiments of the method, receiving the first signal mayinclude receiving the first signal as part of a broad-beam operation ina massive multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) network. In theseembodiments, obtaining system information may include receiving systeminformation as part of a broad-beam or narrow-beam operation.

In some embodiments of the method, receiving the first signal mayinclude receiving the first signal as part of a broadcast operation in anon-massive MIMO network. In some embodiments, obtaining systeminformation may include receiving system information as part of abroadcast or unicast operation.

In some embodiments, the method may further include identifying one ormore services for which system information is to be obtained, whereobtaining the system information may include obtaining systeminformation for the identified one or more services in accordance withthe indication. In these examples, obtaining the system information mayinclude sending a request for system information for the one or moreservices; and receiving the system information for the one or moreservices in response to the request. In some examples, obtaining thesystem information may include sending a separate request for systeminformation for each of the one or more services, each request being forsystem information of a different service; and receiving, individually,system information for the one or more services in response to eachrequest.

In some embodiments of the method, the indication may be a firstindication, and receiving the first signal may include receiving asecond indication that system information for the one or more servicesis to be broadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or morepredetermined channels.

In some embodiments of the method, the indication may be a firstindication, and receiving the first signal may include receiving asecond indication that system information for the one or more servicesis available. In these examples, obtaining system information mayinclude sending one or more requests for system information for the oneor more services in accordance with the first indication and the secondindication; and receiving system information for the one or moreservices in response to the one or more requests. In some of theseexamples, receiving the first signal may include receiving informationidentifying a target device where one or more requests for systeminformation for the one or more services are to be sent. In someexamples, receiving the first signal may include receiving informationidentifying one or more time periods corresponding to when one or morerequests for system information for the one or more services are to besent, where each time period corresponds to a separate service of theone or more services. In some embodiments of the method, obtainingsystem information may include receiving system information for the oneor more services via one or more second signals, the one or more secondsignals being transmitted via a broadcast or broad-beam operation.

In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information mayinclude receiving system information for the one or more services, wherethe system information includes information identifying the one or moreservices for which the system information is valid. Additionally oralternatively, obtaining system information may include receiving systeminformation for one of the one or more services; determining whetheradditional system information for the one of the one or more services isneeded; and requesting additional system information for the one of theone or more services based at least in part on the determining.

In some embodiments of the method, the one or more services may includeone or more of an energy efficient service, a high reliability service,a low latency service, a broadcast service, or a small data service.

In some embodiments of the method, obtaining system information mayinclude receiving system information for the one or more services, wherethe system information includes information identifying a validity timeperiod; and re-obtaining system information for the one or more servicesupon expiration of the validity time period. The validity time periodmay be based on a power saving mode (PSM) time period or an amount oftime to cycle through all value tags of the system information.

In a second set of illustrative examples, an apparatus for wirelesscommunication at a UE is described. In one configuration, the apparatusmay include means for receiving a first signal, where the first signalincludes an indication of whether system information is to be requestedby the UE, and means for obtaining system information in accordance withthe indication. The means for obtaining system information may includemeans for sending a request for system information in accordance withthe indication; and means for receiving system information in responseto the request. In some embodiments of the method, the apparatus mayfurther include means for identifying one or more services for whichsystem information is to be obtained. In these cases, the means forobtaining the system information may include means for obtaining systeminformation for the identified one or more services in accordance withthe indication. In some examples, the apparatus may further includemeans for implementing one or more aspects of the method for wirelesscommunication described above with respect to the first set ofillustrative examples.

In a third set of illustrative examples, another apparatus for wirelesscommunication at a UE is described. In one configuration, the apparatusmay include a processor, memory in electronic communication with theprocessor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions maybe executable by the processor to receive a first signal, where thefirst signal includes an indication of whether system information is tobe requested by the UE, and to obtain system information in accordancewith the indication. In some examples, the instructions may also beexecutable by the processor to implement one or more aspects of themethod for wireless communication described above with respect to thefirst set of illustrative examples.

In a fourth set of illustrative examples, a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing computer-executable code for wirelesscommunication at a UE is described. In one configuration, the code maybe executable by a processor to receive a first signal, where the firstsignal includes an indication of whether system information is to berequested by the UE, and to obtain system information in accordance withthe indication. In some examples, the code may also be used to implementone or more aspects of the method for wireless communication describedabove with respect to the first set of illustrative examples.

In a fifth set of illustrative examples, another method for wirelesscommunication is described. In one configuration, the method may includetransmitting a first signal, where the first signal includes anindication of whether system information is to be requested by a UE, andtransmitting system information in accordance with the indication.

In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a request forsystem information in accordance with the indication, and transmittingsystem information in response to the request. In some embodiments ofthe method, transmitting system information may include transmittingsystem information via a second signal in accordance with theindication, where the second signal is transmitted via a broadcast orbroad-beam operation. In some embodiments, the method may includeincluding, in the first signal, information indicating where a requestfor system information is to be sent. In some embodiments, the methodmay include including, in the first signal, information indicating apredetermined channel on which system information is to be transmittedvia a broadcast or broad-beam operation.

In some embodiments of the method, transmitting system information mayinclude transmitting system information in accordance with theindication and a transmission mode. In some embodiments, the method mayinclude changing the transmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beammode targeting a cell edge and having fixed periodic scheduling. In someembodiments, the method may include changing the transmission mode to bea broadcast or broad-beam mode targeting a cell edge and having anon-demand periodic scheduling triggered by a request for systeminformation in accordance with the indication. In some embodiments, themethod may include changing the transmission mode to be a broadcast orbroad-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling triggered by arequest for system information in accordance with the indication. Insome embodiments, the method may include changing the transmission modeto be a unicast or narrow-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodicscheduling triggered by a request for system information in accordancewith the indication. In some embodiments, the method may includechanging the transmission mode based on network load or congestionstatus. In some embodiments of the method, the first signal may be asynchronization signal.

In some embodiments, the method may include using a broad-beam operationto transmit the first signal in a massive MIMO network. In some of theseexamples, the method may include using a broad-beam or narrow-beamoperation to transmit system information, in accordance with theindication and a transmission mode.

In some embodiments, the method may include using a broadcast operationto transmit the first signal in a non-massive MIMO network. In some ofthese examples, the method may include using a broadcast or unicastoperation to transmit system information, in accordance with theindication and a transmission mode.

In some embodiments of the method, transmitting system information mayinclude transmitting, in accordance with the indication, systeminformation associated with services available to the UE, where separatetransmissions are used to transmit the system information for differentservices and different configurations of services. In some embodiments,the method may include receiving a request for system information forone or more services in accordance with the indication; and transmittingsystem information for the one or more services in response to therequest. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving multiplerequests for system information for one or more services in accordancewith the indication, each request being from the UE and being for systeminformation of a different service; and transmitting system informationfor the one or more services in response to the request. In theseexamples, transmitting system information in response to the request mayinclude transmitting system information for each of the one or moreservices in a joint transmission. Alternatively, transmitting systeminformation in response to the request may include transmitting systeminformation for each of the one or more services in separatetransmissions.

In some embodiments, the indication may be a first indication, and themethod may further include including, in the first signal, a secondindication that system information for one or more services is to bebroadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or morepredetermined channels. In some embodiments, the indication may be afirst indication, and the method may further include including, in thefirst signal, a second indication that system information for one ormore services is available to be requested. In some of these examples,the method may include receiving one or more requests for systeminformation for one or more services in accordance with the firstindication and the second indication. In some examples, the method mayfurther include including, with the first signal, information indicatingwhere and when one or more requests for system information for one ormore services are to be sent.

In some embodiments, the method may further include including, in thesystem information, information indicating one or more services forwhich the system information is valid. In some embodiments, the methodmay further include including, in the system information, informationindicating a duration of time for which the system information is valid,where the system information for different services and differentconfigurations of services includes different durations of time. In someembodiments, the method may further include receiving one or morerequests for system information for one or more services in accordancewith the indication without having included in the first signal a secondindication of which services system information is available. In someembodiments, the method may further include receiving one or morerequests for system information in accordance with the indication; andidentifying the system information to be sent pertaining to differentservices based at least in part on transmission resources used by theone or more requests. In some embodiments, the method may furtherinclude changing the indication to indicate that system information isto be transmitted via either a broadcast or broad-beam operation or viaa unicast or narrow-beam operation.

In a sixth set of illustrative examples, another apparatus for wirelesscommunication is described. In one configuration, the apparatus mayinclude means for transmitting a first signal, where the first signalincludes an indication of whether system information is to be requestedby a UE, and means for transmitting system information in accordancewith the indication. In some embodiments, the apparatus may furtherinclude means for receiving a request for system information inaccordance with the indication; and means for transmitting systeminformation in response to the request. In some embodiments, the meansfor transmitting system information may include means for transmitting,in accordance with the indication, system information associated withservices available to the UE, where separate transmissions are used totransmit the system information for different services and differentconfigurations of services. In some examples, the apparatus may furtherinclude means for implementing one or more aspects of the method forwireless communication described above with respect to the fifth set ofillustrative examples.

In a seventh set of illustrative examples, another apparatus forwireless communication is described. In one configuration, the apparatusmay include a processor, memory in electronic communication with theprocessor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions maybe executable by the processor to transmit a first signal, where thefirst signal including an indication of whether system information is tobe requested by a user equipment UE, and to transmit system informationin accordance with the indication. In some examples, the instructionsmay also be executable by the processor to implement one or more aspectsof the method for wireless communication described above with respect tothe fifth set of illustrative examples.

In an eighth set of illustrative examples, another non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing computer-executable code for wirelesscommunication is described. In one configuration, the code may beexecutable by a processor to transmit a first signal, where the firstsignal including an indication of whether system information is to berequested by a UE, and to transmit system information in accordance withthe indication. In some examples, the code may also be used to implementone or more aspects of the method for wireless communication describedabove with respect to the fifth set of illustrative examples.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that thedetailed description that follows may be better understood. Additionalfeatures and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conceptionand specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do notdepart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of theconcepts disclosed herein, both their organization and method ofoperation, together with associated advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purpose ofillustration and description only, and not as a definition of the limitsof the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentdisclosure may be realized by reference to the following drawings. Inthe appended figures, similar components or features may have the samereference label. Further, various components of the same type may bedistinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a secondlabel that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the firstreference label is used in the specification, the description isapplicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an example of user equipment (UE) mobility within awireless communication system in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate example transmission/reception timelines of arespective first base station, second base station, third base station,fourth base station, fifth base station, and sixth base station, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a swim lane diagram illustrating transmissions of a syncsignal, a master system information block (MSIB), and another systeminformation block (OSIB) by a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a Venn diagram of respective coverage areas for a 5Gwireless communication network, a first neighbor radio access technology(RAT; e.g., a neighbor RAT1), a second neighbor RAT (e.g., a neighborRAT2), and a third neighbor RAT (e.g., a neighbor RAT3), in accordancewith various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a swim lane diagram illustrating transmissions of a syncsignal, an MSIB, and an OSIB by a base station, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of a UE for use in wireless communication,in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of a base station for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of a base station for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of a base station for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a block diagram of a base station for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of a base station for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of a base station for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22 shows a block diagram of a base station for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 23 shows a block diagram of a base station for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24A shows a block diagram of a base station (e.g., a base stationforming part or all of an eNB) for use in wireless communication, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24B shows a block diagram of a base station (e.g., a base stationforming part or all of an eNB) for use in wireless communication, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a multiple input multiple output (MIMO)communication system including a base station and a UE, in accordancewith various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 34 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 38 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 39 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 40 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 42 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 43 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 44 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 45 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 46 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for wirelesscommunication at a base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described features may generally be implemented in a wirelesscommunication system having a user equipment (UE)-centric network. AUE-centric network may be deployed, in some cases: as a plurality ofbase stations in which each of one or more base stations are associatedwith a number of transceivers co-located with base station servers; as aplurality of base stations in which each of one or more base stationsare associated with a number of remote transceivers (e.g., a number ofremote radio heads (RRHs) located remotely from base station servers; asa number of zones in which each zone is defined by the coverage area(s)of one or more cells or base stations; or as a combination thereof. Awireless communication system having a UE-centric network may beadvantageous, in some respects, in a time-division duplex (TDD) systemhaving a large antenna array, which large antenna array may have limitedcoverage for broadcast channels (e.g., the channels that broadcastsynchronization signals and system information in a wirelesscommunication system having a network-centric network). As described inthe present disclosure, a wireless communication system having aUE-centric network may forego the broadcast of system information. Awireless communication system having a UE-centric network may also beadvantageous, in some respects, because the broadcast of systeminformation by a base station can contribute significantly to the powerconsumption of the base station.

In one aspect of the disclosure, for example, a wireless network mayprovide system information by either a fixed periodic broadcast orbroad-beam transmission or in response to a request by a UE. Thewireless network may broadcast (or broad-beam transmit) asynchronization signal, for example, that indicates to the UEs within acell or zone coverage area that system information is to be transmittedon a fixed periodic schedule, or in response to a request sent by one ormore UEs. In an “on-demand” system, wherein the UEs request thetransmission of system information, the system information may betransmitted as either a periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission,as an aperiodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission, or as an aperiodicunicast or narrow-beam transmission.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a wireless network may provideservice-specific system information. The service-specific systeminformation may be provided as a broadcast or upon receipt of a requestfrom a UE. In an on-demand system, the wireless network may broadcast(or broad-beam transmit) a synchronization signal, for example, thatindicates to the UEs within a cell or zone coverage area thatservice-specific system information is available for the UEs to request.UEs may then transmit one or more requests for service-specific systeminformation, and may receive the system information for the identifiedservices. Alternatively, in a broadcast system, the wireless network maybroadcast (or broad-beam transmit) a synchronization signal, forexample, that indicates to the UEs within a cell or zone coverage areathat service-specific system information is to be transmitted on a fixedperiodic schedule based on the corresponding service. Thus, a UErequiring system information for a given service can learn from thesynchronization signal the time or times during which the UE may listento receive the service-specific system information. Service-specificsystem information may be transmitted jointly or in separatetransmissions corresponding to the service.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a wireless network may providesystem information to a UE incrementally. For example, the wirelessnetwork may transmit master system information, followed by one or moretransmissions of other system information (e.g., non-master systeminformation). The master system information may include, for example,system information that allows a UE to perform an initial access of anetwork. The master system information or other system information maybe broadcast, broad-beam transmitted, unicast, or narrow-beamtransmitted to a number of UEs. In some cases, the master systeminformation or other system information may be transmitted on a fixedperiodic schedule, or in response to a request sent by one or more UEs.In various embodiments, the master system information and other systeminformation may be transmitted in the same, similar, or different ways.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, for example, a wireless networkmay indicate when system information has changed or should be updated.In this manner, a UE need not update its stored system information everytime system information is transmitted, but may instead update itsstored system information on an “as needed” basis. A UE may alsoinitiate an update of its stored system information upon the occurrenceof one or more events, such as: a determination that the UE has moved acertain distance since last updating its stored system information, or adetermination that the UE has moved into a new zone.

Techniques described herein may be used for various wirelesscommunication systems such as code-division multiple access (CDMA)systems, time-division multiple access (TDMA) systems,frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonalfrequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, and single carrierfrequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and other systems.The terms “system” and “network” are often used interchangeably. A CDMAsystem may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, UniversalTerrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95,and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 Releases 0 and A are commonly referred toas CDMA2000 1×, 1×, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to asCDMA2000 1×EV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includesWideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA system mayimplement a radio technology such as Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM). An OFDMA system may implement a radio technologysuch as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11(Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM™, etc. UTRA andE-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS).Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are newer releases ofUMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM aredescribed in documents from an organization named “3rd GenerationPartnership Project” (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documentsfrom an organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2”(3GPP2). The techniques described herein may be used for the systems andradio technologies mentioned above as well as other systems and radiotechnologies, including cellular (e.g., LTE) communications over ashared radio frequency spectrum band. The description below, however,describes an LTE/LTE-A system for purposes of example, and LTEterminology is used in much of the description below, although thetechniques are applicable beyond LTE/LTE-A applications (e.g., to 5Gnetworks or other next generation communication systems).

The following description provides examples, and is not limiting of thescope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes maybe made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit,substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. Forinstance, the methods described may be performed in an order differentfrom that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, orcombined. Also, features described with respect to some examples may becombined in other examples.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100 inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wirelesscommunication system 100 may include one or more base stations 105, oneor more UEs 115, and a core network 130. The core network 130 mayprovide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, internetprotocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobilityfunctions. The base stations 105 may interface with the core network 130through backhaul links 132 (e.g., S1, etc.). The base stations 105 mayperform radio configuration and scheduling for communication with theUEs 115, or may operate under the control of a base station controller(not shown). In various examples, the base stations 105 may communicate,either directly or indirectly (e.g., through core network 130), with oneanother over backhaul links 134 (e.g., X1, etc.), which may be wired orwireless communication links.

The base stations 105 may wirelessly communicate with the UEs 115 viaone or more antennas. In some examples, the one or more antennas mayinclude one or more base station antennas (and transceivers) co-locatedwith base station servers and/or one or more RRH antennas (andtransceivers) located remotely from base station servers. Each of thebase stations 105 may provide communication coverage for a respectivegeographic coverage area 110. In some examples, base stations 105 may bereferred to as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, anaccess point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), Home NodeB(HNB), a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The geographiccoverage area 110 for a base station 105 may be divided into sectorsmaking up only a portion of the coverage area (not shown). Thegeographic coverage area(s) 110 of for one or more base stations 105 maydefine a zone of the wireless communication system 100. The wirelesscommunication system 100 may include base stations 105 of differenttypes (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). There may beoverlapping geographic coverage areas 110 for different technologies.

In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be orinclude an LTE or LTE-A network. The wireless communication system 100may also be or include a next generation network, such as a 5G wirelesscommunication network. In LTE/LTE-A and 5G networks, the term evolvednode B (eNB) may be generally used to describe the base stations 105,while the term UE may be generally used to describe the UEs 115. Thewireless communication system 100 may be a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A or 5Gnetwork in which different types of eNBs provide coverage for variousgeographical regions. For example, each eNB or base station 105 mayprovide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, or othertypes of cell. The term “cell” is a 3GPP term that can be used todescribe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated witha base station, or a coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier orbase station, depending on context.

A macro cell may generally cover a relatively large geographic area(e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted accessby UEs 115 with service subscriptions with the network provider. A smallcell may include a lower-powered base station, as compared with a macrocell, that may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed,unlicensed, etc.) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells mayinclude pico cells, femto cells, and micro cells according to variousexamples. A pico cell, for example, may cover a small geographic areaand may allow unrestricted access by UEs 115 with service subscriptionswith the network provider. A femto cell may also cover a smallgeographic area (e.g., a home) and may provide restricted access by UEs115 having an association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs 115 in a closedsubscriber group (CSG), UEs 115 for users in the home, and the like). AneNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for asmall cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femtoeNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two,three, four, and the like) cells.

The communication networks that may accommodate some of the variousdisclosed examples may be packet-based networks that operate accordingto a layered protocol stack and data in the user plane may be based onthe IP. A radio link control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentationand reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A MAC layer mayperform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels intotransport channels. The MAC layer may also use HARQ to provideretransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In thecontrol plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer mayprovide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRCconnection between a UE 115 and the base stations 105. The RRC protocollayer may also be used for core network 130 support of radio bearers forthe user plane data. At the physical (PHY) layer, the transport channelsmay be mapped to physical channels.

The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the wireless communicationsystem 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile. A UE 115 mayalso include or be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobilestation, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, awireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, awireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriberstation, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, aremote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, orsome other suitable terminology. A UE 115 may be a cellular phone, asmart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, awireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, alaptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station,a data card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle, a wireless router,etc. A UE 115 may be able to communicate with various types of basestations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs,relay base stations, and the like. As a UE 115 moves within the wirelesscommunication system 100, the UE 115 may move from cell to cell or fromzone to zone (with a zone including one or more cells). When thewireless communication system 100 is deployed as a UE-centric network, aUE 115 may move from cell to cell within a zone without a physicalchannel reconfiguration, with the network providing data transferservices via the same radio resources despite a change in the UE'sserving cell.

The wireless communication links 125 shown in wireless communicationsystem 100 may carry uplink (UL) transmissions from a UE 115 to a basestation 105, or downlink (DL) transmissions, from a base station 105 toa UE 115. The downlink transmissions may also be called forward linktransmissions while the uplink transmissions may also be called reverselink transmissions. Each of the wireless communication links 125 mayinclude one or more carriers, where each carrier may be a signal made upof multiple sub-carriers (e.g., waveform signals of differentfrequencies) modulated according to the various radio technologiesdescribed above. Each modulated signal may be sent on a differentsub-carrier and may carry control information (e.g., reference signals,control channels, etc.), overhead information, user data, etc. Thewireless communication links 125 may transmit bidirectionalcommunications using frequency division duplex (FDD) (e.g., using pairedspectrum resources) or TDD operation (e.g., using unpaired spectrumresources). Frame structures may be defined for FDD (e.g., framestructure type 1) and TDD (e.g., frame structure type 2).

In some embodiments of the wireless communication system 100, basestations 105 or UEs 115 may include multiple antennas for employingantenna diversity schemes to improve communication quality andreliability between base stations 105 and UEs 115. Additionally oralternatively, base stations 105 or UEs 115 may employ multiple inputmultiple output (MIMO) techniques (e.g., any MIMO but not massive MIMO(e.g. multi-antenna MIMO and multi-user MIMO) techniques or massive MIMOtechniques) that may take advantage of multi-path environments totransmit multiple spatial layers carrying the same or different codeddata.

Wireless communication system 100 may support operation on multiplecells or carriers, a feature which may be referred to as carrieraggregation (CA) or multi-carrier operation. A carrier may also bereferred to as a component carrier (CC), a layer, a channel, etc. Theterms “carrier,” “component carrier,” “cell,” and “channel” may be usedinterchangeably herein. A UE 115 may be configured with multipledownlink CCs and one or more uplink CCs for carrier aggregation. Carrieraggregation may be used with both FDD and TDD component carriers.

In some embodiments of the wireless communication system 100, thewireless communication system 100 may have a UE-centric network. On thenetwork side, the base stations 105 may broadcast a periodicsynchronization (sync) signal. The UEs 115 may receive the sync signal,acquire a timing of the network from the sync signal, and in response toacquiring the timing of the network, transmit a pilot signal. The pilotsignal transmitted by a UE 115 may be concurrently receivable by aplurality of cells (e.g., base stations 105) within the network. Each ofthe plurality of cells may measure a strength of the pilot signal, andthe network (e.g., one or more of the base stations 105, each incommunication with the UE 115 via one or more centrally-locatedtransceivers and/or RRHs, and/or a central node within the core network130) may determine a serving cell for the UE 115. As the UE 115continues to transmit a pilot signal, the network may handover the UE115 from one serving cell to another, with or without informing the UE115. System information (SI) may be transmitted to the UEs 115 in abroadcast mode (e.g., where a base station 105 transmits SI regardlessof whether the SI is requested or needed by any UE 115 within thecoverage area 110 of the base station 105) or in an on-demand mode(e.g., where a base station 105 transmits SI in response to receiving arequest for SI from one or more UEs 115, which request may be includedin, or be, the pilot signal of a UE 115). When transmitting SI in anon-demand mode, a base station 105 may forego the broadcast of SI, whichmay conserve power.

FIG. 2 shows an example of UE mobility within a wireless communicationsystem 200 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.More particularly, FIG. 2 shows a UE 115-a as it moves to various points(e.g., point A, point B, and point C) within the coverage areas 110-aand 110-b of respective first and second base stations 105-a and 105-b.In some examples, the UE 115-a may be an example of one or more aspectsof the UEs 115 described with reference to FIG. 1, and the first andsecond base stations 105-a and 105-b may be examples of one or moreaspects of the base stations 105 described with reference to FIG. 1.

By way of example, the UE 115-a may be powered on within the coveragearea 110-a of the first base station 105-a and may perform an initialacquisition of SI within the coverage area 110-a of the first basestation 105-a. In some examples, the UE 115-a may perform an initialacquisition of SI by receiving an instance of a periodic sync signalfrom the first base station 105-a; determining, from the sync signal,where and when to listen for a broadcast of SI by the first base station105-a; and then listening for and receiving the SI broadcast by thefirst base station 105-a. In other examples, the UE 115-a may perform aninitial acquisition of SI by receiving an instance of a periodic syncsignal from the first base station 105-a; determining, from the syncsignal, where and when to listen for a broadcast of SI by the first basestation 105-a and, in some cases, where and when to transmit a requestfor SI; transmitting a request for SI; and then listening for andreceiving the SI broadcast by the first base station 105-a. In stillother examples, the UE 115-a may perform an initial acquisition ofservice-specific SI by determining from a periodic sync signal receivedfrom the first base station 105-a that service-specific SI is availableto receive either via broadcast or via request, and then eitherlistening for the service-specific SI or requesting the service-specificSI.

While still at point A, the UE 115-a may determine to reacquire SI basedon the expiration of dynamic SI, or based on an elapsed time since lastacquiring SI. The UE 115-a may also reacquire SI, at point A, afterreceiving an instance of a sync signal indicating that SI has changed.In other embodiments, the UE 115-a may not reacquire SI at point A.

Upon moving from point A to point B, the UE 115-a may determine toreacquire SI. The UE 115-a may determine to reacquire SI, for example,based on its movement, based on the distance between point A and pointB, based on the expiration of dynamic SI, or based on an elapsed timesince last acquiring SI. The UE 115-a may also reacquire SI, at point B,after receiving an instance of a sync signal indicating that SI haschanged. In other embodiments, the UE 115-a may not reacquire SI atpoint B.

Upon moving from point B to point C, and into the coverage area 110-b ofthe second base station 105-b, the UE 115-a may perform an initialacquisition of SI from the second base station 105-b. In otherembodiments, the UE 115-a need not acquire SI from the second basestation 105-b unless one of the reasons for reacquiring SI at point Barises. In some cases, SI may not be acquired at the coverage area 110-bbecause the first coverage area 110-a and the second coverage area 110-bare configured to operate as members of a common zone, such that datatransfer services for the UE 115-a are provided by the network.

FIG. 2 illustrates that SI may be acquired during various UE mobilitystates, and for various reasons. For example, SI may be acquired when aUE is unattached to a network (e.g., as part of an initial acquisitionof SI). SI may also be acquired after a UE attaches to a network andwhile the UE is stationary (e.g., because a timer or SI has expired, orbecause the network has indicated (e.g., in an instance of a sync signalor in a paging message) that SI has changed). SI may also be acquiredafter a UE attaches to a network and while the UE is mobile (e.g., forany of the reasons that SI is reacquired while the UE is stationary,because the UE has moved to a new location, because the UE has moved acertain distance from a previous location at which SI was acquired, orbecause the UE has moved to a coverage area of a new base station orcell).

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate example transmission/reception timelines305, 320, 335, 350, 365, and 380 of a respective first base station,second base station, third base station, fourth base station, fifth basestation, and sixth base station, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. The transmissions of the base stations may bereceived by one or more UEs and used, by the UE(s), during initial SIacquisition (e.g., SI acquisition during system selection or mobility toa new cell or zone) or an SI change acquisition (e.g., upon a change ofSI, or upon expiration of dynamic SI). In some examples, the basestations may belong to respective different cells or zones of a wirelesscommunication system, such as different cells or zones of the wirelesscommunication system 100 or 200 described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2.In some examples, the first base station, second base station, thirdbase station, fourth base station, fifth base station, and sixth basestation may be examples of one or more aspects of the base stations 105described with reference to FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each of the base stations may transmit aperiodic sync signal (Sync) 310, 325, 340, 355, 370, or 385. In theexamples of FIG. 3A, each of the base stations also transmits a periodicor on-demand master system information block (MSIB) 315, 330, 342, or358. In some cases, an instance of a sync signal and an instance of anMSIB, together, may provide information equivalent to the informationincluded in an LTE/LTE-A master information block (MIB), systeminformation block 1 (SIB1), and SIB2. In the examples of FIG. 3B, eachof the base stations transmits a service-specific SIB 375, 390.

In some embodiments, a sync signal transmitted by a base station may becommon (e.g., non-cell-specific) to a plurality of cells within anaccess network (e.g., to a plurality of cells within a zone), and may bebroadcast from each of the cells in the plurality of cells (e.g., fromeach of a plurality of base stations in the cells) in a single frequencynetwork (SFN) manner. The sync signal need not include a cellidentifier. In some embodiments, the sync signal may have a relativelyshort duration or be transmitted relatively infrequently. For example,the sync signal may have a duration of one symbol and be transmittedonce every ten seconds. In other examples, the sync signal may betransmitted more frequently, such as once per radio frame. In someembodiments, an instance of a sync signal may carry a few bits ofinformation. More particularly, and in some embodiments, an instance ofa sync signal may include information such as: information that a UE mayuse to determine whether to request a subsequently transmitted MSIB,information that a UE may use to determine where and when to request thesubsequently transmitted MSIB (e.g., frequency and timing informationfor transmitting an MSIB transmission request), information that a UEmay use to determine where and when the subsequently transmitted MSIBmay be received (e.g., channel, frequency, and/or timing information),information that indicates when an MSIB has changed, or information thata UE may use to distinguish the cell or zone transmitting the syncsignal from one or more other cells or zones (e.g., from neighboringcells or zones). In some embodiments, an instance of a sync signal mayinclude information that a UE may use to determine whether to requestsubsequently transmitted service-specific SIB, information that a UE mayuse to determine where and when to request the subsequently transmittedservice-specific SIB (e.g., frequency and timing information fortransmitting a service-specific SIB transmission request), orinformation that a UE may use to determine where and when thesubsequently transmitted service-specific SIB may be received (e.g.,channel, frequency, and/or timing information).

In some embodiments, a sync signal may indicate a PHY layer channel onwhich an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request is to betransmitted, or indicate a special PHY layer channel for thetransmission of an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission requestunder certain conditions. In some cases, a sync signal may also indicatehow to transmit an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request(e.g., a format to be used when transmitting an MSIB or service-specificSIB transmission request), or how to transmit an MSIB orservice-specific SIB transmission request under certain conditions. Inother embodiments, a sync signal may specify fewer parameters for thetransmission of an MSIB or service-specific SIB transmission request.However, this may necessitate the base station listening for MSIB orservice-specific SIB transmission requests under more conditions (oralways), which may impact UE relay energy efficiency.

A UE may receive an instance of a sync signal and acquire a timing of anaccess network based on the sync signal. In response to acquiring thetiming of the access network, the UE may transmit a pilot signal. Thepilot signal may be concurrently receivable by a plurality of cellswithin the access network (e.g., by a plurality of cells within a zoneof the access network). In some embodiments, the pilot signal mayinclude a spatial signature (e.g., a sounding reference signal (SRS)).In some embodiments, the pilot signal may be transmitted in an MSIBtransmission request occasion indicated by an instance of the syncsignal. In some embodiments, the pilot signal may be transmitted with apre-determined random sequence or a random sequence generated by the UE,which random sequence may be used by the access network (e.g., a basestation of the network) to temporarily identify the UE during an initialacquisition procedure. In some embodiments, the pilot signal may be orinclude the MSIB transmission request.

An MSIB 315, 330, 342, or 358 may indicate where and when a UE mayestablish a connection with an access network. An MSIB may includeinformation such as: information identifying an access network, cell, orzone; information indicating whether a UE is allowed to (or should) usethe access network; or information indicating how a UE may use theaccess network (e.g., information indicating how a UE may use the accessnetwork when the UE powers up, or when the UE moves to a new cell orzone after detecting an out-of-service (OoS) or radio link failure (RLF)event). The information identifying an access network, cell, or zone mayinclude a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier (ID), a trackingarea code (TAC), a cell identifier (cell ID), or a zone identifier (zoneID). The information indicating whether a UE is allowed to (or should)use the access network may include system selection or accessrestriction information for a cell or zone (e.g., radio qualityinformation, congestion avoidance information, or closed subscribergroup (CSG) information). The information indicating how a UE may usethe access network may include access configuration information (e.g.,random access channel (RACH) information, or UE-timers and constantsinformation). The MSIB may also include PHY layer configurationinformation such as: physical random access channel (PRACH) information,physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) information, physical downlinkcontrol channel (PDCCH) information, physical uplink shared channel(PUSCH) information, physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)information, and SRS information, or other information usable to accessa PHY layer of the wireless communication system.

A service-specific SIB 375, 390 may indicate where and when a UE mayestablish a connection with an access network for a specific service.Specific services may include, for example, an energy efficient service,a high reliability service, a low latency service, a broadcast service,or a small data service. These services may require additional SI (e.g.,SI that is not included in an MSIB) in order to allow the UE to accessthe network. For example, a multimedia broadcast multicast service(MBMS) in LTE may have additional configuration information in SIB13that is related to accessing an MBMS. Additionally, as radio accesstechnologies evolve, it may be desirable to not only enable thetransmission of additional SI for specific services, but to also enablethe transmission of different configurations of the sameservice-specific SI for improving performance of the different services.The additional service-specific SI may include, for example, informationon identifying the access network and cell (e.g., PLMN ID, TAC, or cellID). The additional service-specific SI may also include information andaccess restrictions for a cell (including radio quality, congestionavoidance, CSG). The additional service-specific SI may further includeinformation on access configuration (RACH, UE-timers and constraints andother 5G network equivalents).

For example, a service-specific SIB may include information to enablemore efficient access configurations and longer validity timers for SIin a wide area network (WAN) internet of everything (IOE) where lowerpower operations may be desirable as IOE devices may not connect withthe network until after long sleep periods. Additionally, services suchas WAN IOE may include different information in an MSIB to avoidrequiring an IOE device to read additional SI.

Turning now to the transmission/reception timeline 305 of the first basestation (in FIG. 3A), the first base station may transmit a periodicsync signal 310 as previously described. Upon receiving an instance ofthe sync signal, a UE needing to perform initial acquisition mayidentify an access network associated with the first base station (andin some cases, information to differentiate the first base station, itscell, or its zone from other base stations, cells, or zones); determinewhether the UE can (or should) acquire SI of the access network; anddetermine how the UE can acquire SI of the access network. Whendetermining how the UE can acquire SI of the access network, the UE maydetermine, via signaling associated with the sync signal, that the firstbase station transmits an MSIB 315 in a broadcast (or broad-beam)transmission mode with fixed periodic signaling. The UE may alsoidentify, from the sync signal, a time for receiving the MSIBtransmission. A UE that does not need to perform initial acquisition maydetermine, from the sync signal, whether it has moved to a new cell ornew zone. When a UE determines that it has moved to a new cell or newzone, the UE may use information included in the sync signal to acquirenew or updated SI from the new cell or new zone.

With reference to the transmission/reception timeline 320 of the secondbase station (of FIG. 3A), the second base station may transmit aperiodic sync signal 325 as previously described. Upon receiving aninstance of the sync signal, a UE needing to perform initial acquisitionmay identify an access network associated with the second base station(and in some cases, information to differentiate the second basestation, its cell, or its zone from other base stations, cells, orzones); determine whether the UE can (or should) acquire SI of theaccess network; and determine how the UE can acquire SI of the accessnetwork. When determining how the UE can acquire the SI of accessnetwork, the UE may determine, via signaling associated with the syncsignal, that the second base station transmits an MSIB 330 in anon-demand broadcast (or broad-beam) transmission mode with periodicsignaling (i.e., that the second base station will start a broadcast (orbroad-beam) transmission of the MSIB, with a periodic scheduling, uponreceiving an MSIB transmission request signal 332 from the UE). The UEmay also identify, from the sync signal, where and when to transmit theMSIB transmission request, and a time for receiving the MSIBtransmission. A UE that does not need to perform initial acquisition maydetermine, from the sync signal, whether it has moved to a new cell ornew zone. When a UE determines that it has moved to a new cell or newzone, the UE may use information included in the sync signal to acquirenew or updated SI from the new cell or new zone.

With reference to the transmission/reception timeline 335 of the thirdbase station (of FIG. 3A), the third base station may transmit aperiodic sync signal 340 as previously described. Upon receiving aninstance of the sync signal, a UE needing to perform initial acquisitionmay identify an access network associated with the third base station(and in some cases, information to differentiate the third base station,its cell, or its zone from other base stations, cells, or zones);determine whether the UE can (or should) acquire SI of the accessnetwork; and determine how the UE can acquire SI of the access network.When determining how the UE can acquire SI of the access network, the UEmay determine, via signaling associated with the sync signal, that thethird base station transmits an MSIB 342 in an on-demand broadcast (orbroad-beam) transmission mode with aperiodic signaling (i.e., that thethird base station will schedule a broadcast (or broad-beam)transmission of the MSIB upon receiving an MSIB transmission requestsignal 345 from the UE, and that the UE may monitor a scheduling channel(e.g., a PDCCH) for scheduling information (Sched.) 348 to determinewhen the MSIB will be transmitted). The UE may also identify, from thesync signal, where and when to transmit the MSIB transmission request. AUE that does not need to perform initial acquisition may determine, fromthe sync signal, whether it has moved to a new cell or new zone. When aUE determines that it has moved to a new cell or new zone, the UE mayuse information included in the sync signal to acquire new or updated SIfrom the new cell or new zone.

With reference to the transmission/reception timeline 350 of the fourthbase station (of FIG. 3A), the fourth base station may transmit aperiodic sync signal 355 as previously described. Upon receiving aninstance of the sync signal, a UE needing to perform initial acquisitionmay identify an access network associated with the fourth base station(and in some cases, information to differentiate the fourth basestation, its cell, or its zone from other base stations, cells, orzones); determine whether the UE can (or should) acquire SI of theaccess network; and determine how the UE can acquire SI of the accessnetwork. When determining how the UE can acquire SI of the accessnetwork, the UE may determine, via signaling associated with the syncsignal, that the fourth base station transmits an MSIB 358 in a unicast(or narrow-beam) transmission mode (i.e., that the fourth base stationwill schedule a unicast (or narrow-beam) transmission of the MSIB uponreceiving an MSIB transmission request signal 360 from the UE, and thatthe UE may monitor a scheduling channel (e.g., a PDCCH) for schedulinginformation (Sched.) 362 to determine when the MSIB will betransmitted). The UE may also identify, from the sync signal, where andwhen to transmit the MSIB transmission request. A UE that does not needto perform initial acquisition may determine, from the sync signal,whether it has moved to a new cell or new zone. When a UE determinesthat it has moved to a new cell or new zone, the UE may use informationincluded in the sync signal to acquire new or updated SI from the newcell or new zone.

In each of the transmission/reception timelines 305, 320, 335, and 350shown in FIG. 3A, the base station transmits an MSIB 315, 330, 342, or358. A UE may receive the MSIB, in some examples, by monitoring a SystemInformation-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SI-RNTI) on a commonphysical control channel (e.g., a PDCCH), decoding a downlink assignmentmessage associated with the SI-RNTI, and receiving the MSIB on a sharedchannel (e.g., a PDSCH) according to information contained in thedownlink assignment message. Alternatively, when a Radio NetworkTemporary Identifier (RNTI; e.g., a cell-RNTI (C-RNTI) or zone-RNTI(Z-RNTI)) is assigned for the UE, the UE may monitor the RNTI on acommon physical control channel (e.g., a PDCCH), decode a downlinkassignment message associated with the RNTI, and receive the MSIB on ashared channel (e.g., a PDSCH) according to information contained in thedownlink assignment message. In another alternative, the UE may monitoran SI-RNTI in order to receive broadcast SI, while the UE may also usean RNTI dedicatedly allocated for the UE (e.g., C-RNTI or zone RNTI) toreceive unicast SI.

When camped on a cell, a UE may decode at least a portion of eachinstance of the periodic sync signal transmitted by the cell, todetermine whether information included in the MSIB has changed.Alternatively, the UE may decode at least a portion of every Nthinstance of the periodic sync signal, or may decode at least a portionof an instance of the periodic sync signal upon the occurrence of one ormore events. The decoded portion of a subsequent instance of the syncsignal may include information (e.g., a modification flag or value tag)which may be set to indicate whether SI for the cell has changed. Upondetermining that SI for the cell has changed (e.g., after receiving theinstance 310-a of the sync signal 310 in transmission/reception timeline305), the UE may request and/or receive an MSIB (e.g., MSIB 315-a) withthe changed SI.

As a UE moves within the coverage area of a wireless communicationsystem, the UE may detect sync signals of different cells (or zones),such as the sync signals of the different cells (or coverage areas 110,110-a, 110-b or zones) described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2, or thedifferent cells (or base stations or zones) described with reference toFIG. 3A. Upon detecting a sync signal of a cell or zone, a UE maycompare a cell global identity (CGI) (or base station identity code(BSIC) or zone identity) corresponding to a cell (or base station orzone) for which the UE last acquired SI to a CGI (or BSIC or zoneidentity) associated with the sync signal, to determine whether the UEhas detected a new sync signal (e.g., a sync signal of a different cell,base station, or zone).

An on-demand transmission of an MSIB may be initiated by a UE (e.g.,during initial access) or by an access network (e.g., when informationincluded in the MSIB changes, or when a dedicated SIB is transmitted).In some cases, a base station transmitting and receiving signals inaccord with one of the transmission/reception timelines 305, 320, 335,or 350 may switch transmission/reception modes, and thereby switch fromone of the transmission/reception timelines to another of thetransmission/reception timelines. The switch may be made, for example,based on network loading or congestion status. In some embodiments, abase station may also or alternatively switch between an “on-demandunicast (or narrow-beam)” mode and an “always-on broadcast (orbroad-beam)” mode for MSIB transmissions. In some examples, a basestation may signal the mode or modes under which it is operating in itsperiodic sync signal.

Turning now to the transmission/reception timeline 365 of the fifth basestation (of FIG. 3B), the fifth base station may transmit aservice-specific periodic sync signal 370. The service-specific periodicsync signal 370 may be an example of one of the sync signals 310, 325,340, 355, except that the service-specific periodic sync signal 370 mayinclude an indication that service-specific SI is available. Theservice-specific periodic sync signal 370 may also include informationas to which services the service-specific SI is available. Additionally,the service-specific periodic sync signal 370 may include informationregarding a schedule for when the service-specific SI for differentservices may be requested or transmitted. As an example, certainservice-specific SI may not be sent in every sync signal period. Asynchronized MBMS service may only require that the service-specific SIBbe transmitted on the order of seconds, for example, and thus may not beavailable during every sync signal period. Upon receiving an instance ofthe sync signal, a UE may determine that the UE has need for one or moreof the available service-specific SI. In accordance with theservice-specific periodic sync signal 370, the UE may transmit a SIBtransmit (Tx) request 372. The UE may transmit a SIB Tx request 372-afor transmission of SI pertaining to a specific service (e.g., service1), and may subsequently transmit a SIB Tx request 372-b fortransmission of SI pertaining to a different specific service (e.g.,service 2). In response to the receipt of the SIB Tx requests 372, oneor more base stations may transmit service-specific SIBs 375 to the UE.The fifth base station may transmit a service-specific SIB 375-a inresponse to the SIB Tx request 372-a, and may also transmit aservice-specific SIB 375-b in response to the SIB Tx request 372-b.Alternatively, the fifth base station may broadcast the service-specificSIBs 375 without waiting for a SIB Tx request 372. In this alternative,the service-specific periodic sync signal 370 may indicate when and onwhat resources a UE may listen to receive the service-specific SIBs 375.

With reference to the transmission/reception timeline 380 of the sixthbase station (of FIG. 3B), the sixth base station may transmit aservice-specific periodic sync signal 385. The service-specific periodicsync signal 385 may be an example of one of the sync signals 310, 325,340, 355, except that the service-specific periodic sync signal 385 mayinclude an indication that service-specific SI is available. However,the service-specific periodic sync signal 385 may not indicate theactual services for which SI is available. Instead, in thetransmission/reception timeline 380, the UE is required to explicitlyidentify in a SIB Tx request 388 the services for which SI is desired.The service-specific sync signal 385 may include information regardingwhen and on what resources the UE may transmit its SIB Tx request 388.Thus, upon receiving an instance of the sync signal, a UE may determinethat the UE has need for one or more of the available service-specificSI. In accordance with the service-specific periodic sync signal 385,the UE may transmit a SIB Tx request 388 that identifies the requestedSI. In response to the receipt of the SIB Tx request 388, the sixth basestation may transmit service-specific SIBs 390 to the UE. Theservice-specific SIBs 390 may be transmitted together, or jointly, in asingle transmission, or may be transmitted separately.

Based on the services indicated in either the service-specific periodicsync signals 370, 385 or the SIB Tx requests 372, 388, a base stationmay transmit service-specific SIBs 375, 390 to the UE. Theservice-specific SIBs 375, 390 may include a service-specificconfiguration such as SI parameters specifically configured to improvethe service or meet service requirements. For example, service-specificconfigurations may include validity timers or SI reading requirementsthat require an IOE device to reacquire SI after the IOE device awakensfrom a power saving mode (PSM) or deep sleep. For example, an IOE devicemay acquire SI having a particular value tag and then may transitioninto a PSM for an extended period of time (as a result of the devicebeing an IOE device, for example). By the time the IOE device awakens,the SI may have changed more than once. In fact, it may even be possiblethat the SI will have changed a number of times equal to a number ofvalues usable for SI value tags, meaning that the SI acquired by the IOEdevice may, coincidentally, have the same value tag as an SI detected bythe IOE device when the IOE device awakens. If the IOE device relies onSI value tags to determine whether the IOE device is to acquire updatedSI, the IOE device may determine that no new SI is to be acquired.However, validity timers or SI reading requirements may be used toensure that the IOE device acquires updated SI, even if an SI value tagwould indicate otherwise. For example, the validity timers or SI readingrequirements may require that an IOE device reacquire SI after theexpiration of a specified time, which may, in one example, be equal tothe PSM time for the IOE device. Alternatively, a validity timer may bereceived as part of a service-specific configuration of service-specificSIB 375, 390. In this case, the validity timer may be set to a timeduration which requires the IOE device to re-acquire SI at least onceduring each SI value tag wrap-around. Thus, if an operator changes theSI every ten minutes, and the SI value tag range is from 0-31, then thevalidity timer may be set to 320 minutes. The validity timer may bebased on other factors as well. The validity timer or SI readingrequirements may be conveyed to the IOE device as part of aservice-specific configuration in service-specific SIBs 375, 390.

As an example, in some LTE standards, a UE may consider stored SI to beinvalid after three hours from the moment the SI was confirmed to bevalid. While certain exceptions may apply in LTE (for example,csg-PhysCellIdRange, though this exception is due to the fact thatupdated SI may not be available if the UE is not camped on a CSG cell),the three-hour requirement may not be appropriate for many devices,including IOE devices that may either enter a PSM or where the SI valuetags cycle through at different frequencies. Therefore, for WAN IOEdevices, the validity timer may be extended or reduced for SI that isrelated to the WAN IOE network.

The service-specific SIBs 375, 390 may also include service-specificinformation such as service-specific parameters like those defined forMBMS. For a WAN IOE device, a service-specific configuration may beincluded in a single SIB so that the IOE device need not transmitmultiple requests to incrementally receive any necessary SI.

Additionally, when multiple service-specific SIs are supportedcorresponding to multiple services, a network may use differenttransmission modes to support the transmission of SI for each service.Thus, and for example, a WAN IOE SI may be periodically broadcast,whereas nominal SI may be sent on-demand.

In the on-demand scenario, if a UE requests SI for more than one servicein the SIB Tx requests 372, 388, the responding base station may eitherprovide separate SI for each service or provide a common SI for all thedesired services, where, for example, the base station may apply themost stringent configuration value for a parameter based on the servicerequirements for each requested service.

In addition to a periodic or on-demand MSIB, a base station may transmitone or more periodic or on-demand other SIBs (OSIBs). An OSIB mayinclude information equivalent to the information included in one ormore of the LTE/LTE-A SIBs other than SIB1 or SIB2 (e.g., information toenable an operator to manage system selection intra-radio accesstechnology (RAT) or inter-RAT, information for a UE to discover theavailability and configuration(s) of one or more services). One exampletransmission of an OSIB is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a swim lane diagram 400 illustrating transmissions of a syncsignal, an MSIB, and an OSIB by a base station 105-c, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 also illustratesrequests and receptions of the MSIB and OSIB by a UE 115-b performinginitial acquisition of SI of an access network. In some examples, thebase station may incorporate aspects of one or more of the base stationsdescribed with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. Similarly, the UE 115-b mayincorporate aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIG. 1 or 2.

At 405, the base station 105-c may transmit an instance of a periodicsync signal, as described with reference to FIG. 3A. The UE 115-b mayreceive the instance of the sync signal and, at block 410, process theinstance of the sync signal and determine that it needs to transmit anMSIB transmission request, at 415, to obtain an MSIB from the basestation 105-c. The UE 115-b may also determine, from the instance of thesync signal, where and when to transmit the MSIB transmission requestand where and when to expect transmission of the MSIB by the basestation 105-c.

At 420, the base station 105-c may transmit the MSIB. The UE 115-b mayreceive the MSIB and, at block 425, process information included in theMSIB. The UE 115-b may also, and optionally, prepare an OSIBtransmission request. In some examples, an optional OSIB transmissionrequest may be prepared (e.g., at block 425) and transmitted (e.g., at430) when the UE 115-b has not previously acquired SI from the cell orzone in which the base station 105-c operates, or when cached SI for thecell or zone has expired, or when the UE determines that SI for the cellor zone has changed (e.g., from the sync signal, from information in theMSIB signaling a change in SI, or from a paging message), or when the UEdetermines (e.g., during RRC_IDLE) that it is in a location where new SImay be provided (e.g., a location in which new neighbor cell listequivalent information may be provided, or a location where new globalpositioning system (GPS) assistance information may be provided). Insome cases, the OSIB transmission request may indicate what OSIBinformation is being requested. For example, a UE 115-b may indicate, inthe OSIB transmission request, what SI (e.g., what type of SI or whatSIBs) the UE would like to receive. In some examples, a single OSIBtransmission request 430 may be transmitted, and the single OSIBtransmission request 430 may indicate one or a plurality of elements ofother SI that the UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value may beset to TRUE for each element of other SI that the UE would like toreceive). In other examples, the UE 115-b may request some types ofother SI in different OSIB transmission requests, and the UE maytransmit a plurality of OSIB transmission requests to the base station.

The base station 105-c may receive the OSIB transmission request (orOSIB transmission requests) and, at block 435, prepare one or more OSIBsfor transmission to the UE at 440 or 445. In some embodiments, the basestation may prepare one or more OSIBs including the SI requested by theUE in the OSIB transmission request. Additionally or alternatively, thebase station 105-c (and/or another network node with which the basestation communicates) may determine what SI should be transmitted to theUE 115-b in an OSIB. The base station 105-c and/or other network nodemay determine what SI to transmit to the UE 115-b based on, for example,a UE identity, a UE type, capabilities information the base station hasacquired for the UE, or other information known about (and potentiallyacquired from) the UE. In this manner, the amount of SI transmitted tothe UE 115-b may be optimized, which may help to conserve power, to freeup resources, etc.

As previously indicated, an OSIB may include information equivalent tothe information included in one or more of the LTE/LTE-A SIBs other thanSIB1 or SIB2 (e.g., information to enable an operator to manage systemselection intra-RAT or inter-RAT, information for a UE to discover theavailability and configuration(s) of one or more services). Theinformation included in an OSIB may be numbered and organized based onSI function, in order to enable a base station to deliver information toa UE based on a subset of UE functions, based on UE capabilities, orbased on UE service requirements (e.g., a base station may not deliverMBMS information to a UE when the UE is not capable of using MBMSservices). In some cases, information included in an OSIB may benumbered and organized the same or similar to information included inLTE/LTE-A SIBs.

Information included in an OSIB may be organized so that it may beefficiently received or processed by a UE. For example, the informationmay be organized so that a UE can read the information as infrequentlyas possible. In some embodiments, the information may be organized basedon the scope of the information; based on whether the informationapplies system wide, intra-constellation, per cell or per zone; based onthe duration for which information remains valid (e.g., validity time);or based on whether the information is semi-static or dynamic. Wheninformation changes very dynamically, the information may be organizedso that it can be transmitted with reduced latency.

An on-demand transmission of an OSIB may be initiated by a UE (e.g.,during initial access) or by an access network (e.g., when informationincluded in the OSIB changes, or when a dedicated SIB is transmitted).

As previously described, a base station may in some cases switch betweenan “on-demand unicast (or narrow-beam)” mode and an “always-on broadcast(or broad-beam)” or an “on-demand broadcast (or broad-beam)” mode forMSIB transmissions. A base station may also switch between an “on-demandunicast (or narrow-beam)” mode and an “always-on broadcast (orbroad-beam)” or an “on-demand broadcast (or broad-beam)” mode for OSIBtransmissions. For “always-on broadcast (or broad-beam)” OSIBtransmissions, an OSIB transmission schedule may be signaled in an MSIBtransmission.

In some cases, a UE may receive and process an MSIB or OSIB based on achange in location of the UE. In some cases, the MSIB or OSIB may bereceived and processed after transmitting a respective MSIB transmissionrequest or OSIB transmission request. In this regard, FIG. 5 illustratesa Venn diagram 500 of respective coverage areas for a first zone 505, asecond zone 510, a third zone 515, and a fourth zone 520. In someembodiments, the first zone 505 may include a 5G wireless communicationnetwork, the second zone 510 may include a first neighbor RAT (e.g., aneighbor RAT1), the third zone 515 may include a second neighbor RAT(e.g., a neighbor RAT2), and the fourth zone 520 may include a thirdneighbor RAT (e.g., a neighbor RAT3), in accordance with various aspectsof the present disclosure. By way of example, the 5G wirelesscommunication network may incorporate aspects of the wirelesscommunication system 100 or 200 described with reference to FIG. 1 or 2.Each of the first neighbor RAT, the second neighbor RAT, and the thirdneighbor RAT may also incorporate aspects of the wireless communicationsystem 100 or 200. The 5G wireless communication network, first neighborRAT, second neighbor RAT, and third neighbor RAT may also take differentforms.

When a UE initially acquires access to a 5G wireless communicationnetwork in the first zone 505, or as a UE moves within the 5G wirelesscommunication network, the UE may acquire SI for the first neighbor RAT,the second neighbor RAT, or the third neighbor RAT. In some cases, a UEmay acquire SI for the neighbor RATs using distance-based SIacquisition. A UE may employ distance-based SI acquisition bydetermining (e.g., calculating) a distance between the current locationof the UE and a location of the UE when the UE last acquired neighborRAT SI. When the determined distance exceeds a threshold distance, theUE may initiate a SI acquisition procedure (e.g., the UE may receive anOSIB containing the neighbor RAT SI, or the UE may transmit an OSIBtransmission request in which the UE requests the neighbor RAT SI). Thethreshold distance may be configured by the network and may be indicatedin an MSIB (e.g., as part of a measurement configuration indicated inthe MSIB).

In some embodiments, distance-based SI acquisition may be employed on aper neighbor RAT basis. In other embodiments, distance-based SIacquisition may be employed on a collective neighbor RAT basis.

In some cases, a UE may receive and process an MSIB or OSIB based on achange in SI signaled in a periodic sync signal. In some cases, the MSIBor OSIB may be received and processed after transmitting a respectiveMSIB transmission request or OSIB transmission request.

FIG. 6 is a swim lane diagram 600 illustrating transmissions of a syncsignal, an MSIB, and an OSIB by a base station 105-d, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 also illustratesrequests and receptions of the MSIB and OSIB by a UE 115-c performing asystem information update. In some examples, the base station 105-d mayincorporate aspects of one or more of the base stations 105 describedwith reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 4. Similarly, the UE 115-c mayincorporate aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIG. 1, 2, or 4.

At 605, the base station 105-d may transmit an instance of a periodicsync signal, as described with reference to FIG. 3A, or a pagingmessage. The instance of the sync signal or paging message may includeinformation (e.g., a modification flag or value tag) indicating that SIfor a cell including the base station has changed.

In some embodiments, the instance of the sync signal or paging messagemay include a general indicator that SI has changed (e.g., amodification flag). The general indicator or modification flag mayinclude, for example, a counter value that is incremented when SI haschanged, or a Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value) that is set toTRUE (e.g., a logic “1”) when SI included in an MSIB has changed (orwhen the network expects a UE to re-acquire the MSIB) or FALSE (e.g., alogic “0”) when SI included in an MSIB has not changed (or when thenetwork does not expect a UE to re-acquire the MSIB). The instance ofthe sync signal or paging message may also or alternatively indicatewhether certain elements of SI have changed. For example, the instanceof the sync signal or paging message may indicate whether SI forservices such as Public Warning System (PWS; e.g., the Earthquake andTsunami Warning System (ETWS) or the Commercial Mobile Alert System(CMAS)) has changed, which may simplify decoding and improve batterylife when such information is changing more frequently.

The UE 115-c may receive the instance of the sync signal or pagingmessage and, at block 610, process the instance of the sync signal orpaging message (e.g., compare a counter value associated with the syncsignal or paging message with a previously received counter value, ordetermine whether a modification flag is set to TRUE or FALSE);determine that SI for the cell or zone including the base station haschanged; and (in some cases) determine that the changed SI is relevantto the UE. The UE may also determine that it needs to transmit an MSIBtransmission request, at 615, to obtain an MSIB including the changed SIfrom the base station. The UE may also determine, from the instance ofthe sync signal or paging message, where and when to transmit the MSIBtransmission request and where and when to expect transmission of theMSIB by the base station.

At 620, the base station 105-d may transmit the MSIB. In some cases, theMSIB may include information indicating whether other SI has changed.For example, the MSIB may include a general indicator that other SI haschanged (e.g., a modification flag). The general indicator ormodification flag may include, for example, a counter value that isincremented when SI included in an OSIB has changed, or a Booleanvariable (e.g., a binary value) that is set to TRUE (e.g., a logic “1”)when SI included in an OSIB has changed (or when the network expects aUE to re-acquire the OSIB) and to FALSE (e.g., a logic “0”) when SIincluded in an OSIB has not changed (or when the network does not expecta UE to re-acquire the OSIB). The MSIB may also or alternativelyindicate whether certain elements of other SI have changed. For example,the MSIB may include a value tag per type of SI or equivalent LTE/LTE-ASIB (e.g., a first Boolean variable set to TRUE or FALSE to indicatewhether SI for MBMS services has changed, a second Boolean variable setto TRUE or FALSE based on whether SI for PWS services (e.g., CMASservices or ETWS services) has changed, etc.).

The UE 115-c may receive the MSIB and, at block 625, process informationincluded in the MSIB. The UE may use information indicating what SI haschanged to determine whether other SI useful to the UE (e.g., SImonitored by the UE) has changed and needs to be requested. For example,the UE may compare an OSIB counter value included in the MSIB with apreviously received OSIB counter value, or determine whether an OSIBmodification flag is set to TRUE or FALSE, or compare value tags for oneor more monitored elements of other SI to previously received value tagsfor the one or more monitored elements of other SI, to determine with anOSIB needs to be requested. When other SI useful to the UE has notchanged, the UE need not transmit an OSIB transmission request. However,when other SI useful to the UE has changed, the UE may prepare (e.g., atblock 625) and transmit (e.g., at 630) an OSIB transmission request. Insome cases, the OSIB transmission request may be a generic request(e.g., a request that causes the base station to return all other SI, ora request that allows the base station to return whatever SI the basestation deems useful to the UE). In other cases, the OSIB transmissionrequest may indicate what OSIB information is being requested. Forexample, a UE may indicate, in the OSIB transmission request, what SI(e.g., what type of SI or what SIBs) the UE would like to receive.

The base station 105-d may receive the OSIB transmission request and, atblock 635, prepare one or more OSIBs for transmission to the UE at 640or 645. In some embodiments, the base station may prepare an OSIBincluding the SI requested by the UE in the OSIB transmission request.Additionally or alternatively, the base station (and/or another networknode with which the base station communicates) may determine what SIshould be transmitted to the UE in an OSIB. The base station and/orother network node may determine what SI to transmit to the UE based on,for example, a UE identity, a UE type, capabilities information the basestation has acquired for the UE, or other information known about (andpotentially acquired from) the UE. In this manner, the amount of SItransmitted to the UE may be optimized, which may help to conservepower, to free up resources, etc.

The below table provides an example allocation of SI between an MSIR andan OSIB in a 5G wireless communication system:

5 G System Information Equivalent LTE/ Contents LTE-A SIBs MSIB: PHYlayer basic MIB Unicast (on-demand) SI, or configuration information SIbroadcast with short (e.g., downlink bandwidth, periodicity SFN, etc.)Constellation ID (PLMN ID, SIB1 Constellation code, CSG/HNB ID),Constellation selection information (q-RxMin), FreqBand information,Scheduling information for other SIBs (if broadcast supported), SI valuetag (may be signaled by sync signal) Access Class (AC)-Barring SIB2info, Service Specific Access Control (SSAC) info, Extended AccessBarring (EAB) Radio Common config (details: RACH (RACH preamblesignatures), (Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH), paging Control Channel(PCCH)), PRACH, PDSCH, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, UE- timers and constants,Multimedia Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) config, UL-Freqinfo + UL bandwidth, Time alignment timer OSIB: Mobility relatedparameters, SIB3-S1B8 Unicast (on-demand) SI, or e.g., cell reselectionSIB17 SI broadcast with very long parameters, neighbor periodicityconstellation/zone lists, WLAN offloading signaling PWS, MBMS, GPSSIB10-S1B16 assistance data

Although each of FIGS. 4-6, and to some extent the remainder of thepresent disclosure, focused primarily on the transmission of an MSIB oran OSIB, any number of MSIBs or OSIBs may be transmitted—eitherindividually or in groups, and in response to a singular MSIBtransmission request and/or OSIB transmission request, or in response toa plurality of MSIB transmission requests and/or OSIB transmissionrequests. In some cases, master system information may distributed amongone or more of an MSIB, an MTC SIB, or other SIBs carrying masterinformation. In some cases, other system information may be distributedamong one or more of an OSIB1 carrying neighbor cell/zone information,an OSIB2 carrying MBMS related information, an OSIB3 carrying PWSrelated information, or other SIBs carrying other information. An MSIBor OSIB may also include one or more elements. When SI changes, amodification flag or value tag may be transmitted or received, forexample, per MSIB, per element within an MSIB, per OSIB, or per elementwithin an OSIB.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram 700 of a UE 115-d for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The UE 115-d may be an example of aspects of one or more ofthe UEs 115 described with reference to FIGS. 1-6. The UE 115-d may alsobe or include a processor. The UE 115-d may include a UE receiver module710, an SI acquisition module 720, or a UE transmitter module 730. TheSI acquisition module 720 may include an SI acquisition mode module 735,a UE SI request module 740, or an SI receipt module 745. Each of thesemodules may be in communication with each other.

The modules of the UE 115-d may, individually or collectively, beimplemented using one or more application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions inhardware. Alternatively, the functions may be performed by one or moreother processing units (or cores), on one or more integrated circuits.In other examples, other types of integrated circuits may be used (e.g.,Structured/Platform ASICs, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), aSystem on Chip (SoC), or other Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmedin any manner known in the art. The functions of each module may also beimplemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodied in amemory, formatted to be executed by one or more general orapplication-specific processors.

In some examples, the UE receiver module 710 may include at least oneradio frequency (RF) receiver. The UE receiver module 710 or RF receivermay be used to receive various types of data or control signals (i.e.,transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. Asan example, the UE receiver module 710 may be used to receive a periodicsync signal, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The UEreceiver module 710 may also be used to receive various signals thatinclude one or more forms of SI, as also described with reference toFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The receipt and processing of the synchronizationsignals and the SI signals (for example, the periodic sync signals 310,325, 340, or 355 of FIG. 3A, and the broadcast MSIBs 315, 330, 342, orthe unicast MSIB 358 of FIG. 3A) may be additionally facilitated throughthe SI acquisition module 720, as described in greater detail below.

In some examples, the UE transmitter module 730 may include at least oneRF transmitter. The UE transmitter module 730 or RF transmitter may beused to transmit various types of data or control signals (i.e.,transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. Asan example, the UE transmitter module 730 may be used to transmit anMSIB transmission request signal 332, 345, 360, as described withreference to FIG. 3A. The transmission of the MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360, for example, may be additionally facilitatedthrough the SI acquisition module 720, as described in greater detailbelow.

The SI acquisition module 720 may be used to manage one or more aspectsof wireless communication for the UE 115-d. In particular, in the UE115-d, the SI acquisition module 720 may be used to facilitate theacquisition of SI from a base station 105, in accordance to aspects ofsome of the embodiments described above. The SI acquisition module 720may include an SI acquisition mode module 735, a UE SI request module740, or an SI receipt module 745.

The SI acquisition mode module 735 may be used by the UE 115-d tofacilitate receipt by the UE 115-d of a periodic sync signal 310, 325,340, 355, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, for example. Thereceived periodic sync signal 310, 325, 340, 355 may indicate to the UE115-d whether the UE 115-d is to transmit a request signal, such as anMSIB transmission request signal 332, 345, 360, for example, in order toreceive a transmission of SI. For example, the UE 115-d may receive aperiodic sync signal 310 that indicates to the UE 115-d that SI may bebroadcast by a base station 105 regardless of any requests sent by theUE 115-d. In this instance, the SI acquisition mode module 735 maydetermine that no request is necessary in order for the UE 115-d toreceive SI. In another example, however, the UE 115-d may receive aperiodic sync signal 325, 340, 355, which may each indicate that the UE115-d is to transmit a request for SI (in the form of an MSIBtransmission request signal 332, 345, 360, for example) in order toreceive SI. In this instance, the SI acquisition mode module 735 maydetermine that a request is necessary in order for the UE 115-d toreceive SI. Thus, the SI acquisition mode module 735 may be configuredto determine whether the UE 115-d is operating in a network having abroadcast SI mode or an on-demand SI mode.

In the event that the UE 115-d is operating in a network using anon-demand SI mode, meaning that the UE 115-d is to transmit a request toreceive SI, the UE SI request module 740 may be used to facilitate thecreation of such a request. As an example, the UE SI request module 740may be used to formulate any one of the MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360 of FIG. 3A. The UE SI request module 740 may useinformation included with the periodic sync signal 325, 340, 355 todetermine how to formulate the MSIB transmission request signals 332,345, 360. For example, the periodic sync signal 325, 340, 355 mayinclude information indicating where the MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360 should be sent, as well as the timing of suchsignals.

The SI receipt module 745 may be used to facilitate the receipt of SItransmitted to the UE 115-d. The SI may be transmitted as a broadcastwithout any need for a request sent by the UE 115-d. In this example,the SI acquisition mode module 735 may indicate to the SI receipt module745 that SI is to be received via a broadcast. The SI receipt module 745may then facilitate receipt of the SI using information included withthe periodic sync signal 310, such as a predetermined channel or timingof the SI broadcast. In another example. the SI may be transmitted aseither a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request sent by the UE115-d. In these examples, the SI acquisition mode module 735 mayindicate to the SI receipt module 745 that SI is to be received aseither a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI receiptmodule 745 may then facilitate receipt of the SI using informationincluded with the periodic sync signals 325, 340, 355, such as apredetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram 800 of a UE 115-e for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various examples. The UE 115-e may bean example of one or more aspects of a UE 115 described with referenceto FIGS. 1-7. The UE 115-e may include a UE receiver module 710-a, an SIacquisition module 720-a, and/or a UE transmitter module 730-a, whichmay be examples of the corresponding modules of UE 115-d (of FIG. 7).The UE 115-e may also include a processor (not shown). Each of thesecomponents may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisitionmodule 720-a may include an SI acquisition mode module 735-a, a UE SIrequest module 740-a, and/or an SI receipt module 745-a. The SIacquisition mode module 735-a may further include a sync signal receiptmodule 805 and/or an SI acquisition mode determination module 810. TheUE receiver module 710-a and the UE transmitter module 730-a may performthe functions of the UE receiver module 710 and the UE transmittermodule 730, of FIG. 7, respectively.

The modules of the UE 115-e may, individually or collectively, beimplemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The SI acquisition mode module 735-a may include a sync signal receiptmodule 805 and/or an SI acquisition mode determination module 810. Thesync signal receipt module 805 may be used by the UE 115-e to facilitatereceipt by the UE 115-e of a periodic sync signal 310, 325, 340, 355, asillustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, for example. The received periodicsync signal 310, 325, 340, 355 may indicate to the UE 115-e whether theUE 115-e is to transmit a request signal, such as an MSIB transmissionrequest signal 332, 345, 360, for example, in order to receive atransmission of SI. Thus, the SI acquisition mode determination module810 may be used to determine, from the received periodic sync signal310, 325, 340, 355, whether an SI acquisition mode is fixed oron-demand. For example, the UE 115-e, through the sync signal receiptmodule 805, may receive a periodic sync signal 310 that indicates to theUE 115-e that SI may be broadcast by a base station 105 regardless ofany requests sent by the UE 115-e. In this instance, the SI acquisitionmode determination module 810 may determine that no request is necessaryin order for the UE 115-e to receive SI. In another example, however,the UE 115-e may receive, via the sync signal receipt module 805, aperiodic sync signal 325, 340, 355, which may each indicate that the UE115-e is to transmit a request for SI (in the form of an MSIBtransmission request signal 332, 345, 360, for example) in order toreceive SI. In this instance, the SI acquisition mode determinationmodule 810 may determine that a request is necessary in order for the UE115-e to receive SI. Thus, the SI acquisition mode determination module810 may be configured to determine whether the UE 115-e is operating ina network having a fixed broadcast SI mode or an on-demand SI mode.

In the event that the UE 115-e is operating in a network using anon-demand SI mode, meaning that the UE 115-e is to transmit a request toreceive SI, the UE SI request module 740-a may be used to facilitate thecreation of such a request. As an example, the UE SI request module740-a may be used to formulate any one of the MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360 of FIG. 3A. The UE SI request module 740-a may useinformation included with the periodic sync signal 325, 340, 355 todetermine how to formulate the MSIB transmission request signals 332,345, 360. For example, the periodic sync signal 325, 340, 355 mayinclude information indicating where the MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360 should be sent, as well as the timing of suchsignals.

The SI receipt module 745-a may be used to facilitate the receipt of SItransmitted to the UE 115-e. The SI may be transmitted as a broadcastwithout any need for a request sent by the UE 115-e. In this example,the SI acquisition mode module 735-a may indicate to the SI receiptmodule 745-a that SI is to be received via a broadcast. The SI receiptmodule 745-a may then facilitate receipt of the SI using informationincluded with the periodic sync signal 310, such as a predeterminedchannel or timing of the SI broadcast. The UE 115-e may receive the SI,in some examples, by monitoring an SI-RNTI on a common physical controlchannel (e.g., a PDCCH), decoding a downlink assignment messageassociated with the SI-RNTI, and receiving the SI on a shared channel(e.g., a PDSCH).

In another example. the SI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or aunicast in response to a request sent by the UE 115-e. In theseexamples, the SI acquisition mode module 735-a may indicate to the SIreceipt module 745-a that SI is to be received as either a broadcast ora unicast in response to a request. The SI receipt module 745-a may thenfacilitate receipt of the SI using information included with theperiodic sync signals 325, 340, 355, such as a predetermined channel ortiming of the SI broadcast or unicast. The UE 115-e may receive the SI,in some examples, by monitoring an SI-RNTI on a common physical controlchannel (e.g., a PDCCH), decoding a downlink assignment messageassociated with the SI-RNTI, and receiving the MSIB on a shared channel(e.g., a PDSCH). Alternatively, when an RNTI; (e.g., a C-RNTI or Z-RNTI)is assigned for the UE 115-e, the UE 115-e may monitor the RNTI on acommon physical control channel (e.g., a PDCCH), decode a downlinkassignment message associated with the RNTI, and receive the SI on ashared channel (e.g., a PDSCH) according to information contained in thedownlink assignment message. In another alternative, the UE 115-e maymonitor an SI-RNTI in order to receive broadcast SI, while the UE mayalso use an RNTI dedicatedly allocated for the UE (e.g., C-RNTI or zoneRNTI) to receive unicast SI.

In each of the examples described above with respect to the UEs 115-d,115-e of FIGS. 7 and 8, the terms broadcast operation and broad-beamoperation may be used interchangeably, at the level at which operationsof UEs 115-d, 115-e have been described. Similarly, the terms unicastoperation and narrow-beam operation may be used interchangeably, at thelevel at which operations of UEs 115-d, 115-e have been described. Ingeneral, if the UE 115-d, 115-e is operating in a massive MIMO network,the UE 115-d, 115-e may receive the periodic sync signal 310, 325, 340,355 as part of a broad-beam operation, and may receive the SI as part ofeither a broad-beam or a narrow-beam operation. On the other hand, ifthe UE 115-d, 115-e is operating in a non-massive MIMO network, the UE115-d, 115-e may receive the periodic sync signal 310, 325, 340, 355 aspart of a broadcast operation, and may receive the SI as part of eithera broadcast or a unicast operation.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram 900 of a UE 115-f for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The UE 115-f may be an example of aspects of one or more ofthe UEs 115 described with reference to FIGS. 1-8. The UE 115-f may alsobe or include a processor. The UE 115-f may include a UE receiver module710-b, an SI acquisition module 720-b, or a UE transmitter module 730-b,which may be examples of the corresponding modules of UE 115-d (of FIG.7). The SI acquisition module 720-b may include a service-specific SIacquisition mode module 905, a UE service-specific SI request module910, or an SI receipt module 745-b. The SI receipt module 745-b may bean example of the SI receipt module 745 of FIG. 7 or 8. Each of thesemodules may be in communication with each other.

The modules of the UE 115-r may, individually or collectively, beimplemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, an SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

In some examples, the UE receiver module 710-b may include at least oneRF receiver. The UE receiver module 710-b or RF receiver may be used toreceive various types of data or control signals (i.e., transmissions)over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system,such as one or more communication links of the wireless communicationsystem 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. As an example, the UEreceiver module 710-b may be used to receive a service-specific periodicsync signal, as described with reference to FIG. 3B. The UE receivermodule 710-b may also be used to receive various signals that includeone or more forms of SI, as also described with reference to FIG. 3B.The receipt and processing of the service-specific synchronizationsignals and the SI signals (for example, the service-specific periodicsync signals 370, 385 of FIG. 3B, and the service-specific SIBs 375, 390(of FIG. 3B)) may be additionally facilitated through the SI acquisitionmodule 720-b, as described in greater detail below.

In some examples, the UE transmitter module 730-b may include at leastone RF transmitter. The UE transmitter module 730-b or RF transmittermay be used to transmit various types of data or control signals (i.e.,transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. Asan example, the UE transmitter module 730-b may be used to transmit aSIB Tx request 372, 388, as described with reference to FIG. 3B. Thetransmission of the SIB Tx request 372, 388, for example, may beadditionally facilitated through the SI acquisition module 720-b, asdescribed in greater detail below.

The SI acquisition module 720-b may be used to manage one or moreaspects of wireless communication for the UE 115-f. In particular, inthe UE 115-f, the SI acquisition module 720-b may be used to facilitatethe acquisition of service-specific SI from a base station 105, inaccordance to aspects of some of the embodiments described above. The SIacquisition module 720-b may include a service-specific SI acquisitionmode module 905, a UE service-specific SI request module 910, or an SIreceipt module 745-b.

The service-specific SI acquisition mode module 905 may be used by theUE 115-f to facilitate receipt by the UE 115-f of a service-specificperiodic sync signal 370, 385, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, for example.The received service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385 may indicateto the UE 115-f that service-specific SI is available for the UE 115-f.The service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385 may also indicatewhether the UE 115-f is to transmit one or more request signals, such asan SIB Tx request 372, 388, for example, in order to receive aservice-specific SIB 375, 390. For example, the UE 115-f may receive aservice-specific periodic sync signal 370 that indicates to the UE 115-fthat service-specific SI is available. The service-specific periodicsync signal 370 may indicate that the service-specific SI is to bebroadcast at a specific time and using specific resources. In that case,the service-specific SI acquisition mode module 905 may determine that,in order to obtain the service-specific SI, the UE 115-f must listen forthe service-specific SI at the designated times. Alternatively, theservice-specific periodic sync signal 370 may indicate that theservice-specific SI is to be requested in accordance with a schedule. Inthis instance, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module 905 maydetermine that, in order to obtain the service-specific SI, the UE 115-fmust transmit one or more requests for service-specific SI in accordancewith the schedule identified by the serviced-specific periodic syncsignal 370. In yet another embodiment, a service-specific periodic syncsignal 385 may indicate that service-specific SI is available by requestbut that the UE 115-f must explicitly request the service-specific SI.In this case, the service-specific SI acquisition mode module 905 maydetermine that the UE 115-f must identify which services it requires SIand then include that identification in a request.

In the event that the UE 115-f is operating in a network using anon-demand service-specific SI mode, meaning that the UE 115-f is totransmit a request to receive service-specific SI, the UEservice-specific SI request module 910 may be used to facilitate thecreation of such a request. As an example, the UE service-specific SIrequest module 910 may be used to formulate any one of the SIB Txrequests 372, 388 of FIG. 3B. The UE service-specific SI request module910 may use information included with the service-specific periodic syncsignals 370, 385 to determine how to formulate the SIB Tx requests 372,388. For example, the service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385 mayinclude information indicating where the SIB Tx requests 372, 388 shouldbe sent, as well as the timing of such signals.

The SI receipt module 745-b may be used to facilitate the receipt ofservice-specific SI transmitted to the UE 115-f. The service-specific SImay be transmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent bythe UE 115-f. In this example, the service-specific SI acquisition modemodule 905 may indicate to the SI receipt module 745-b thatservice-specific SI is to be received via a broadcast. The SI receiptmodule 745-b may then facilitate receipt of the service-specific SIusing information included with the service-specific periodic syncsignal 370, such as a predetermined channel or timing of theservice-specific SI broadcasts. In another example. the service-specificSI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response toa request sent by the UE 115-f. In these examples, the service-specificSI acquisition mode module 905 may indicate to the SI receipt module745-b that service-specific SI is to be received as either a broadcastor a unicast in response to a request. The SI receipt module 745-b maythen facilitate receipt of the service-specific SI using informationincluded with the service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385, suchas a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram 1000 of a UE 115-g for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various examples. The UE 115-g may bean example of one or more aspects of a UE 115 described with referenceto FIGS. 1-9. The UE 115-g may include a UE receiver module 710-c, an SIacquisition module 720-c, and/or a UE transmitter module 730-c, whichmay be examples of the corresponding modules of UE 115-f (of FIG. 9).The UE 115-g may also include a processor (not shown). Each of thesecomponents may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisitionmodule 720-c may include a service-specific SI acquisition mode module905-a, a UE service-specific SI request module 910-a, and/or an SIreceipt module 745-c. The service-specific SI acquisition mode module905-a may further include a sync signal receipt module 1005 and/or aservice-specific SI acquisition mode determination module 1010. The UEreceiver module 710-c and the UE transmitter module 730-c may performthe functions of the UE receiver module 710 and the UE transmittermodule 730, of FIG. 7, respectively.

The modules of the UE 115-g may, individually or collectively, beimplemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The service-specific SI acquisition mode module 905-a may include a syncsignal receipt module 1005 and/or a service-specific SI acquisition modedetermination module 1010. The sync signal receipt module 1005 may beused by the UE 115-g to facilitate receipt by the UE 115-g of aservice-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385, as illustrated in FIG.3B, for example. The received service-specific periodic sync signal 370,385 may indicate to the UE 115-g whether service-specific SI isavailable for the UE 115-g, and whether the UE 115-g is to transmit arequest signal, such as SIB Tx requests 372, 388, for example, in orderto receive a transmission of service-specific SI. Thus, theservice-specific SI acquisition mode determination module 1010 may beused to determine, from the received service-specific periodic syncsignal 370, 385, whether service-specific SI may be received as one ormore broadcasts, may be explicitly requested, or may be requested inaccordance with a schedule. For example, the UE 115-g may receive aservice-specific periodic sync signal 370 that indicates to the UE 115-gthat service-specific SI is to be broadcast at a specific time and usingspecific resources. In that case, the service-specific SI acquisitionmode determination module 1010 may determine that, in order to obtainthe service-specific SI, the UE 115-g must listen for theservice-specific SI at the designated times. Alternatively, theservice-specific periodic sync signal 370 may indicate that theservice-specific SI is to be requested in accordance with a schedule. Inthis instance, the service-specific SI acquisition determination modemodule 1010 may determine that, in order to obtain the service-specificSI, the UE 115-g must transmit one or more requests for service-specificSI in accordance with the schedule identified by the serviced-specificperiodic sync signal 370. In yet another embodiment, a service-specificperiodic sync signal 385 may indicate that service-specific SI isavailable by request but that the UE 115-g must explicitly request theservice-specific SI. In this case, the service-specific SI acquisitionmode determination module 1010 may determine that the UE 115-g mustidentify which services it requires SI and then include thatidentification in a request.

In the event that the UE 115-g is operating in a network using anon-demand service-specific SI mode, the UE service-specific SI requestmodule 910-a may be used to facilitate the creation of such a request.As an example, the UE service-specific SI request module 910-a may beused to formulate any one of the SIB Tx requests 372, 388 of FIG. 3B.The UE service-specific SI request module 910-a may use informationincluded with the service-specific periodic sync signals 370, 385 todetermine how to formulate the SIB Tx requests 372, 388. For example,the service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385 may includeinformation indicating where the SIB Tx requests 372, 388 should besent, as well as the timing of such signals.

The SI receipt module 745-c may be used to facilitate the receipt ofservice-specific SI transmitted to the UE 115-g. The service-specific SImay be transmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent bythe UE 115-g. In this example, the service-specific SI acquisition modedetermination module 1010 may indicate to the SI receipt module 745-cthat service-specific SI is to be received via a broadcast. The SIreceipt module 745-c may then facilitate receipt of the service-specificSI using information included with the service-specific periodic syncsignal 370, such as a predetermined channel or timing of theservice-specific SI broadcasts. In another example. the service-specificSI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response toa request sent by the UE 115-g. In these examples, the service-specificSI acquisition mode determination module 1010 may indicate to the SIreceipt module 745-c that service-specific SI is to be received aseither a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI receiptmodule 745-c may then facilitate receipt of the service-specific SIusing information included with the service-specific periodic syncsignal 370, 385, such as a predetermined channel or timing of the SIbroadcast or unicast.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram 1100 of a UE 115-h for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The UE 115-h may be an example of aspects of one or more ofthe UEs 115 described with reference to FIGS. 1-10. The UE 115-h mayinclude a UE receiver module 710-d, an SI acquisition module 720-d,and/or a UE transmitter module 730-d, which may be examples of thecorresponding modules of UE 115-d (of FIG. 7). The UE 115-h may alsoinclude a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be incommunication with each other. The SI acquisition module 720-d mayinclude a master SI acquisition module 1105, an SI processing module1110, a UE SI request module 1115, and/or an other SI acquisition module1120. The UE receiver module 710-d and the UE transmitter module 730-dmay perform the functions of the UE receiver module 710 and the UEtransmitter module 730, of FIG. 7, respectively. In addition, the UEreceiver module 710-d may be used to receive SI signals such as the OSIB440, 445, 640, or 645 of FIGS. 4 and 6; and the UE transmitter module730-d may be used to transmit SI signals such as the MSIB transmissionrequest signal 332, 345, 360, 415, or 615 of FIGS. 3A, 4, and 6, or theOSIB transmission request 430 or 630 of FIGS. 4 and 6.

The modules of the UE 115-e may, individually or collectively, beimplemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The master SI acquisition module 1105 may be used to receive a first setof system information (e.g., master system information, such as themaster system information included in the MSIB received at 420 in FIG.4).

The SI processing module 1110 may be used to determine, based at leastin part on the first set of system information, that additional systeminformation (e.g., non-master system information, such as the othersystem information described with reference to FIG. 4) is available.

The UE SI request module 1115 may be used to transmit a request (e.g.,the OSIB transmission request transmitted at 430 in FIG. 4) for theadditional system information. In some examples, the UE SI requestmodule 1115 may transmit a plurality of requests for the additionalsystem information. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission requestmay indicate one or a plurality of elements of additional systeminformation that the UE 115-h would like to receive (e.g., a binaryvalue in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for eachelement of additional system information that the UE 115-h would like toreceive). In other examples, the UE 115-h may request some types ofadditional system information in different OSIB transmission requests,and the UE SI request module 1115 may be used to transmit a plurality ofOSIB transmission requests.

The other SI acquisition module 1120 may be used to receive theadditional system information (e.g., to receive the other systeminformation included in the OSIB received at 440 or 445 in FIG. 4).

In some embodiments, receiving the first set of system information usingthe master SI acquisition module 1105 may include receiving anindication of one or more sets of additional system information that areavailable. In some embodiments, transmitting the request for theadditional system information using the SI request module 1115 mayinclude identifying, in the request for the additional systeminformation, one or more sets of additional system information. In someembodiments, the one or more sets of additional system informationidentified in the request for the additional system information mayinclude one or more sets of additional system information indicated inthe first set of system information.

In some embodiments, receiving the additional system information usingthe other SI acquisition module 1120 may include at least one of:receiving system information indicating which RATs are available in aregion and how the UE 115-h is to select an available RAT (e.g., UEmobility rules and policies); receiving system information indicatingwhich services are available in a region and how the UE 115-h is toobtain an available service; receiving system information relating to anMBMS or a PWS service; receiving system information relating tolocation, positioning, or navigation services; or receiving systeminformation based at least in part on a determined location of the UE115-h.

In some embodiments, transmitting the request for additional systeminformation using the UE SI request module 1115 may include includingone or more capabilities of the UE in the request. In these embodiments,receiving the additional system information using the other SIacquisition module 1120 may include receiving system information basedat least in part on the one or more capabilities of the UE 115-hincluded in the request.

In some embodiments, transmitting the request for additional systeminformation using the UE SI request module 1115 may include including alocation of the UE 115-h in the request. In these embodiments, receivingthe additional system information using the other SI acquisition module1120 may include receiving system information based at least in part onthe location of the UE 115-h included in the request.

In some embodiments, transmitting the request for additional systeminformation using the UE SI request module 1115 may include including anidentification of the UE 115-h in the request. In these embodiments,receiving the additional system information using the other SIacquisition module 1120 may include receiving system information basedat least in part on the identification of the UE 115-h included in therequest.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram 1200 of a UE 115-i for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The UE 115-i may be an example of aspects of one or more ofthe UEs 115 described with reference to FIGS. 1-11. The UE 115-i mayinclude a UE receiver module 710-e, an SI acquisition module 720-e,and/or a UE transmitter module 730-e, which may be examples of thecorresponding modules of UE 115-d, 115-f or 115-h (of FIG. 7, 9, or 11).The UE 115-i may also include a processor (not shown). Each of thesecomponents may be in communication with each other. The SI acquisitionmodule 720-e may include a sync signal processing module 1205, a masterSI acquisition module 1105-a, an SI processing module 1110-a, a UE SIrequest module 1115-a, or an other SI acquisition module 1120-a. The UEreceiver module 710-e and the UE transmitter module 730-e may performthe functions of the UE receiver module 710 and the UE transmittermodule 730, of FIG. 7, 9, or 11.

The modules of the UE 115-i may, individually or collectively, beimplemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The sync signal processing module 1205 may be used to decode informationreceived from a downlink channel. The decoded information may indicatethat master system information (e.g., an MSIB) is received in responseto a master system information request (e.g., an MSIB transmissionrequest such as the MSIB transmission request transmitted at 415 in FIG.4). In some examples, the downlink channel may include a synchronizationsignal (e.g., the instance of the periodic sync signal received at 405in FIG. 4). The decoded information may include information decoded fromthe synchronization signal.

The UE SI request module 1115-a may be used to transmit a master systeminformation request in accordance with the information decoded from thedownlink channel by the sync signal processing module 1205.

The master SI acquisition module 1105-a may be used to receive themaster system information (e.g., the master system information includedin the MSIB received at 420 in FIG. 4). The master system informationmay include system information that allows the UE 115-i to perform aninitial access of a network using one or more of an identification ofthe network, an identification of a base station in the network, cellselection configuration and access restrictions, or a network accessconfiguration.

The SI processing module 1110-a may be used to determine, based at leastin part on the master system information, that additional systeminformation (e.g., non-master system information, such as the othersystem information described with reference to FIG. 4) is available.

The UE SI request module 1115-a may also be used to transmit a request(e.g., the OSIB transmission request transmitted at 430 in FIG. 4) forthe additional system information. In some examples, the UE SI requestmodule 1115-a may transmit a plurality of requests for the additionalsystem information. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission requestmay indicate one or a plurality of elements of additional systeminformation that the UE 115-i would like to receive (e.g., a binaryvalue in the OSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for eachelement of additional system information that the UE 115-i would like toreceive). In other examples, the UE 115-i may request some types ofadditional system information in different OSIB transmission requests,and the UE SI request module 1115-a may be used to transmit a pluralityof OSIB transmission requests.

The other SI acquisition module 1120-a may be used to receive theadditional system information (e.g., to receive the other systeminformation included in the OSIB received at 440 or 445 in FIG. 4).

In some embodiments, receiving the master system information using themaster SI acquisition module 1105-a may include receiving an indicationof one or more sets of additional system information that are available.In some embodiments, transmitting the request for the additional systeminformation using the UE SI request module 1115-a may includeidentifying, in the request for the additional system information, oneor more sets of additional system information. In some embodiments, theone or more sets of additional system information identified in therequest for the additional system information may include one or moresets of additional system information indicated in the master systeminformation.

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram 1300 of a UE 115-j for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The UE 115-j may be an example of aspects of one or more ofthe UEs 115 described with reference to FIGS. 1-12. The UE 115-j mayinclude a UE receiver module 710-f, an SI acquisition module 720-f, or aUE transmitter module 730-f, which may be examples of the correspondingmodules of UE 115-d (of FIG. 7). The UE 115-j may also include aprocessor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communicationwith each other. The SI acquisition module 720-f may include a signalprocessing module 1305 or a UE SI request module 1310. The UE receivermodule 710-f and the UE transmitter module 730-f may perform thefunctions of the UE receiver module 710 and the UE transmitter module730, of FIG. 7, respectively. In addition, the UE receiver module 710-fmay be used to receive SI signals such as the OSIB 440, 445, 640, or 645of FIGS. 4 and 6, a value tag associated with SI, or a zone identifier;and the UE transmitter module 730-f may be used to transmit SI signalssuch as the MSIB transmission request signal 332, 345, 360, 415, or 615of FIGS. 3A, 4, and 6, or the OSIB transmission request 430 or 630 ofFIGS. 4 and 6.

The modules of the UE 115-j may, individually or collectively, beimplemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The signal processing module 1305 may be used to receive a first signal(e.g., a sync signal or paging message such as the instance of theperiodic sync signal or paging message received at 605 in FIG. 6 or theMSIB received at 620 in FIG. 6). In some cases, the signal processingmodule 1305 may receive the first signal while the UE 115-j iscommunicating with a network using first system information. The signalprocessing module 1305 may also be used to determine, based at least inpart on the first signal, to request updated system information.

The UE SI request module 1310 may be used to request updated systeminformation (e.g., to transmit the MSIB transmission request transmittedat 615 in FIG. 6 or the OSIB transmission request transmitted at 630 inFIG. 6) based at least in part on the determination made by the signalprocessing module 1305.

In some embodiments, determining to request the updated systeminformation using the signal processing module 1305 may include at leastone of: identifying that the UE 115-j has moved into a zone using secondsystem information that is different from the first system information;identifying that the network has changed at least a portion of the firstsystem information; or identifying that the UE 115-j has moved more thana predetermined distance from a location where the UE 115-j obtained thefirst system information a previous time (e.g., from the location wherethe UE obtained the first system information last time).

In some embodiments, receiving the first signal using the signalprocessing module 1305 may include receiving a zone identifier (e.g., anarea code, a B SIC, or another cell identifier). In some cases, the zoneidentifier may be received as part of a synchronization signal. In somecases, the zone identifier may be transmitted as part of asynchronization signal. In some cases, the zone identifier may identifyone of the neighbor RATs of zones 510, 515, or 520 described withreference to FIG. 5. In these embodiments, the signal processing module1305 may use the zone identifier to identify that the UE 115-j has movedfrom a first zone to a second zone. In some embodiments, determining torequest updated system information using the signal processing module1305 may include identifying a distance between a current location ofthe UE 115-j and a location where the UE 115-j obtained the first systeminformation a previous time (e.g., the last time), and determining thatthe identified distance exceeds a predetermined threshold. In somecases, the predetermined threshold may be received from the network. Insome cases, a location signal identifying a location of the UE 115-j mayalso be received. The location signal may be received, for example, aspart of receiving the first signal. The location signal may also bereceived in other ways, such as via a Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS; e.g., GPS, Galileo, GLONASS or BeiDou).

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram 1400 of a UE 115-k for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The UE 115-k may be an example of aspects of one or more ofthe UEs 115 described with reference to FIGS. 1-13. The UE 115-k mayinclude a UE receiver module 710-g, an SI acquisition module 720-g, or aUE transmitter module 730-g, which may be examples of the correspondingmodules of UE 115-d or 115-j (of FIG. 7, 9, or 11). The UE 115-k mayalso be or include a processor (not shown). Each of these components maybe in communication with each other. The SI acquisition module 720-g mayinclude a signal processing module 1305-a or a UE SI request module1310-a. The UE receiver module 710-g and the UE transmitter module 730-gmay perform the functions of the UE receiver module 710 and the UEtransmitter module 730, of FIG. 7, 9, or 11.

The modules of the UE 115-k may, individually or collectively, beimplemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The signal processing module 1305-a may be used to receive a firstsignal (e.g., a sync signal or paging message such as the instance ofthe periodic sync signal or paging message received at 605 in FIG. 6 orthe MSIB received at 620 in FIG. 6). In some cases, the signalprocessing module 1305-a may receive the first signal while the UE 115-kis communicating with a network using first system information, and thefirst signal may include an indication that at least a portion of thefirst system information has changed.

The signal processing module 1305-a may include a modification flag orvalue tag processing module 1405. The modification flag or value tagprocessing module 1405 may be used, in some examples, to receive one ormore modification flags, each of which indicates, by a counter value orBoolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that a corresponding portion ofthe first system information has changed. In some examples, thecorresponding portion of the first system information may include aportion of master system information, such as an MSIB or element of anMSIB, In other examples, the corresponding portion of the first systeminformation may include additional non-master system information, suchas an OSIB or element of an OSIB. The master system information mayinclude one or more of an identification of the network, anidentification of a base station in the network, cell selectionconfiguration and access restrictions, or network access configurationinformation. The master system information may also or alternativelyinclude, for example, one or more other elements of the master systeminformation described with reference to FIG. 3A. The additionalnon-master system information may include one or more elements of theother system information described with reference to FIG. 4 or 6. Insome embodiments, the modification flag may be received with (or as apart of) the first signal.

The modification flag or value tag processing module 1405 may also beused, in some examples, to receive one or more value tags correspondingto at least a portion (or different portions) of the first systeminformation that has/have changed. In some examples, the one or morevalue tags may correspond to one or more portions of master systeminformation (e.g., one or more MSIBs, or one or more elements of one ormore MSIBs), one or more portions of additional non-master systeminformation (e.g., one or more OSIBs, or one or more elements of one ormore OSIBs), or a combination thereof. The master system information mayinclude one or more of an identification of the network, anidentification of a base station in the network, cell selectionconfiguration and access restrictions, or network access configurationinformation. The master system information may also or alternativelyinclude, for example, one or more other elements of the master systeminformation described with reference to FIG. 3A. The additionalnon-master system information may include one or more elements of theother system information described with reference to FIG. 4 or 6. Insome embodiments, one or more value tags may be received with (or aspart of) the first signal.

The signal processing module 1305-a or modification flag or value tagprocessing module 1405 may also be used to determine, based at least inpart on the first signal, a modification flag included in the firstsignal, or one or more value tags included in the first signal, torequest updated system information. In some cases, determining torequest updated system information may include determining a receivedmodification flag is set to TRUE. In some cases, determining to requestupdated system information may include comparing a received value tagwith a previously received value tag), and determining to request theupdated system information based at least in part on the comparison(e.g., determining to request the updated system information when thevalue tags do not match).

The UE SI request module 1310-a may be used to request updated systeminformation based at least in part on the determination made by thesignal processing module 1305-a (e.g., to transmit the MSIB transmissionrequest at 615 in FIG. 6 or to transmit the OSIB transmission request at630 in FIG. 6).

FIG. 15 shows a block diagram 1500 of a UE 115-l for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The UE 115-l may have various configurations and may beincluded or be part of a personal computer (e.g., a laptop computer, anetbook computer, a tablet computer, etc.), a cellular telephone, asmart phone, a PDA, a wireless modem, a USB dongle, a wireless router, adigital video recorder (DVR), an internet appliance, a gaming console,an e-reader, etc. The UE 115-l may, in some examples, have an internalpower supply (not shown), such as a small battery, to facilitate mobileoperation. In some examples, the UE 115-l may be an example of aspectsof one or more of the UEs 115 described with reference to FIGS. 1-14.The UE 115-l may be configured to implement at least some of the UEfeatures and functions described with reference to FIGS. 1-14.

The UE 115-l may include a UE processor module 1510, a UE memory module1520, at least one UE transceiver module (represented by UE transceivermodule(s) 1530), at least one UE antenna (represented by UE antenna(s)1540), or SI acquisition module 720-h. Each of these components may bein communication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one ormore buses 1535.

The UE memory module 1520 may include random access memory (RAM) orread-only memory (ROM). The UE memory module 1520 may storecomputer-readable, computer-executable code 1525 containing instructionsthat are configured to, when executed, cause the UE processor module1510 to perform various functions described herein related to wirelesscommunication, including, for example, transmissions of a pilot signal.Alternatively, the code 1525 may not be directly executable by the UEprocessor module 1510 but be configured to cause the UE 115-l (e.g.,when compiled and executed) to perform various of the functionsdescribed herein.

The UE processor module 1510 may include an intelligent hardware device,e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc.The UE processor module 1510 may process information received throughthe UE transceiver module(s) 1530 or information to be sent to the UEtransceiver module(s) 1530 for transmission through the UE antenna(s)1540. The UE processor module 1510 may handle various aspects ofcommunicating over (or managing communications over) a wireless medium.

The UE transceiver module(s) 1530 may include a modem configured tomodulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the UE antenna(s)1540 for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the UEantenna(s) 1540. The UE transceiver module(s) 1530 may, in someexamples, be implemented as one or more UE transmitter modules and oneor more separate UE receiver modules. The UE transceiver module(s) 1530may support communications on one or more wireless channels. The UEtransceiver module(s) 1530 may be configured to communicatebi-directionally, via the UE antenna(s) 1540, with one or more basestations, such as one or more of the base stations 105 described withreference to FIG. 1, 2, 4, or 6. While the UE 115-l may include a singleUE antenna, there may be examples in which the UE 115-l may includemultiple UE antennas 1540.

The UE state module 1550 may be used, for example, to manage transitionsof the UE 115-l between RRC connected states, and may be incommunication with other components of the UE 115-l, directly orindirectly, over the one or more buses 1535. The UE state module 1550,or portions of it, may include a processor, and/or some or all of thefunctions of the UE state module 1550 may be performed by the UEprocessor module 1510 or in connection with the UE processor module1510.

The SI acquisition module 720-h may be configured to perform or controlsome or all of the system information acquisition features or functionsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-14. The SI acquisition module 720-h,or portions of it, may include a processor, or some or all of thefunctions of the SI acquisition module 720-h may be performed by the UEprocessor module 1510 or in connection with the UE processor module1510. In some examples, the SI acquisition module 720-h may be anexample of the SI acquisition module 720 described with reference toFIGS. 7-14.

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram 1600 of a base station 105-e for wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. The base station 105-e may be an example of one or moreaspects of a base stations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1-6.The base station 105-e may also be or include a processor. The basestation 105-e may include a base station (or RRH) receiver module 1610,an SI transmission module 1620, or a base station (or RRH) transmittermodule 1630. The SI transmission module 1620 may include an SItransmission mode module 1635, a base station SI request module 1640, oran SI transmit module 1645. Each of these modules may be incommunication with each other. In configurations of the base station105-e including one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules1610, 1620, or 1630 may be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The base station 105-e, through the base station receiver module 1610,the SI transmission module 1620, and/or the base station transmittermodule 1630, may be configured to perform aspects of the functionsdescribed herein. For example, the base station 105-e may be configuredto determine an SI transmission mode, receive requests for SI (from a UE115, for example), and transmit the SI in accordance with one or more ofthe received requests and the determined transmission modes, asdescribed in greater detail herein.

The components of the base station 105-e may, individually orcollectively, be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to performsome or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, thefunctions may be performed by one or more other processing units (orcores), on one or more integrated circuits. In other examples, othertypes of integrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/PlatformASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, or other Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmedin any manner known in the art. The functions of each component may alsobe implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodied in amemory, formatted to be executed by one or more general orapplication-specific processors.

In some examples, the base station receiver module 1610 may include atleast one RF receiver. The base station receiver module 1610 or RFreceiver may be used to receive various types of data or control signals(i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. Asan example, the base station receiver module 1610 may be used to receivean MSIB transmission request signal 332, 345, 360, as described withreference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The receipt and processing of the SIrequest signals (for example, the MSIB transmission request signal 332,345, 360 of FIG. 3A) may be additionally facilitated through the SItransmission module 1620, as described in greater detail below.

In some examples, the base station transmitter module 1630 may includeat least one RF transmitter. The base station transmitter module 1630 orRF transmitter may be used to transmit various types of data or controlsignals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of awireless communication system, such as one or more communication linksof the wireless communication system 100 described with reference toFIG. 1. As an example, the base station transmitter module 1630 may beused to transmit a periodic sync signal 310, 325, 340, or 355, asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The base stationtransmitter module 1630 may also be used to transmit various signalsthat include one or more forms of SI, such as the broadcast MSIBs 315,330, 342, or the unicast MSIB 358, as also described with reference toFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. The transmission of the synchronization signals andthe SI signals may be additionally facilitated through the SItransmission module 1620, as described in greater detail below.

The SI transmission module 1620 may be used to manage one or moreaspects of wireless communication for the base station 105-e. Inparticular, the SI transmission module 1620 may be used to facilitatethe transmission of SI from the base station 105-e, in accordance toaspects of some of the embodiments described above. The SI transmissionmodule 1620 may include an SI transmission mode module 1635, a basestation SI request module 1640, or an SI transmit module 1645.

The SI transmission mode module 1635 may be used by the base station105-e to facilitate determination by the base station 105-e of an SItransmission mode and transmission by the base station 105-e of aperiodic sync signal 310, 325, 340, 355, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, and4, for example. Examples of the different transmission modes may beillustrated and described above with relation to FIG. 3A. For example,one transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having fixed periodicscheduling and targeting a cell edge, as illustrated in thetransmission/reception timeline 305 of FIG. 3A. In this example, thebase station 105-e may transmit a periodic sync signal 310 which mayindicate to UEs 115 that SI information is to be periodically broadcastwithout the need for the UEs 115 to transmit a specific request for SI.This SI transmission mode may be beneficially used when many UEs 115 arerequesting SI. Because the SI transmission is a broadcast, the number ofUEs 115 requiring SI will have no effect on the transmission of SI.However, this SI transmission mode may also include some drawbacks.Namely, a broadcast that targets a cell edge may require a significanttransmission power and thus may result in radio resource wastage if thenumber of UEs 115 camped on the cell or zone is low. Additionally, inthis transmission mode, the base station 105-e may broadcast SIregardless of the number of UEs 115 camped on the cell or zone. Even ifno UEs 115 are camped on the cell or zone, the base station 105-e maycontinue to broadcast SI, thus resulting in resource wastage andpossible interference.

Another transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having anon-demand periodic scheduling and that targets a cell edge, asillustrated in the transmission/reception timeline 320 of FIG. 3A. Inthis example, the base station 105-e may transmit a periodic sync signal325 which may indicate to UEs 115 that SI information is to beperiodically broadcast in response to an MSIB transmission requestsignal 332. This SI transmission mode may be beneficially used such thatthe base station 105-e is not required to perform resource allocationand data scheduling on a per UE basis but can just continue a periodicbroadcast. Additionally, if no UEs 115 are requesting SI, the basestation 105-e may discontinue its broadcasts in order to save energy andreduce interference. Conversely, the broadcast targeting of a cell edgemay still require a significant power usage, which may still result inpower wastage and possible interference.

Yet another transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having anon-demand aperiodic scheduling and that targets a group of UEs 115, asillustrated in the transmission/reception timeline 335 of FIG. 3A. Inthis example, the base station 105-e may transmit a periodic sync signal340 which may indicate to UEs 115 that SI information is to beaperiodically broadcast in response to an MSIB transmission requestsignal 345. This SI transmission mode may be beneficially used such thatthe base station 105-e is able to stop SI broadcasts when no UEs arerequesting SI, thus saving energy and reducing possible interference.Additionally, because the base station 105-e is targeting only a groupof UEs 115 (instead of a cell edge), less transmission power isrequired. However, in this transmission mode, the base station 105-e maybe required to optimize SI transmission for groups of UEs, thuspotentially levying a higher processing load. Additionally, this mode isstill not as efficient as unicast transmission, though efficiency maydepend on a number of UEs 115 requesting SI.

A fourth transmission mode may include an SI unicast having on-demandaperiodic scheduling and that targets a single UE 115, as illustrated inthe transmission/reception timeline 350 of FIG. 3A. In this example, thebase station 105-e may transmit a periodic sync signal 355 which mayindicate to UEs 115 that SI information is to be aperiodically unicastin response to an MSIB transmission request signal 360. This SItransmission mode has benefits of allowing the base station 105-e tostop SI transmission when no UEs 115 are requesting SI, and can providehigh efficiency in providing SI to UEs 115. This mode may, however, havean accompanying increase in processing loads at the base station 105-e.

The transmission modes described above have been generally describedusing the terms broadcast and unicast, which may be most appropriatelyused when the network in which the base station 105-e is participatingis a non-massive MIMO network. On the other hand, if a massive MIMOenvironment is configured, broad-beam and narrow-beam transmissions maybe used in place of broadcast or unicast transmissions. A broad-beamtransmission may provide wide coverage which can serve more than one UE115, though a broad-beam transmission may require additional radioresources with respect to a narrow-beam transmission which serves only asingle UE 115.

In general, a broad-beam or broadcast operation offers better efficiencyin situations where there are many UEs 115 attempting to acquire SI,while a narrow-beam or unicast operation offers better efficiency insituations where there are a smaller number of UEs 115 attempting toacquire SI.

The SI transmission mode module 1635 may facilitate a transition betweentransmission modes, for example. One implementation may include thechanging of transmission modes based on a number of UEs 115 requestingSI acquisition, network load, congestion status, or available radioresources.

For example, in a non-massive MIMO situation, if the number of UEs 115requesting SI acquisition is greater than a predetermined thresholdnumber N, then the SI transmission mode module 1635 may determine toinclude an indicator in a periodic sync signal 310 that indicates thatthe SI will be periodically broadcast (e.g., the indicator may indicatethat SI transmission is fixed). In this situation, the base station105-e may periodically broadcast the SI without requiring a specific SIrequest from a UE 115, and UEs 115 may acquire the SI by monitoring anSI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE (e.g., aC-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above.

If, however, in the non-massive MIMO situation, the number of UEs 115requesting SI acquisition is not greater than or equal to thepredetermined threshold number N or is smaller than the predeterminedthe threshold number N₂, the SI transmission mode module 1635 maydetermine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal 325, 340,355 that indicates that the SI will be transmitted in response to arequest (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission ison-demand). In this situation, the base station 105-e may transmit theSI in response to a specific SI request from a UE 115, and UEs 115 mayacquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for theconcerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and asdescribed above. In this situation, the base-station 105-e may transmitthe SI by either broadcasting the SI in accordance with on-demandperiodic scheduling targeting a cell edge, broadcasting the SI inaccordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a group of UEs115, or unicasting the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodicscheduling targeting a single UE 115.

In a massive MIMO situation, if the number of UEs 115 requesting SIacquisition is greater than a predetermined threshold number N, then theSI transmission mode module 1635 may determine to include an indicatorin a periodic sync signal 310 that indicates that the SI will beperiodically transmitted via a broad-beam operation (e.g., the indicatormay indicate that SI transmission is fixed). In this situation, the basestation 105-e may periodically transmit via broad-beam the SI withoutrequiring a specific SI request from a UE 115, and UEs 115 may acquirethe SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for theconcerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and asdescribed above.

If, however, in the massive MIMO situation, the number of UEs 115requesting SI acquisition is not greater than or equal to thepredetermined threshold number N, or is smaller than the predeterminedthreshold number N₂, the SI transmission mode module 1635 may determineto include an indicator in a periodic sync signal 325, 340, 355 thatindicates that the SI will be transmitted in response to a request(e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission is on-demand).The SI transmission may be either broad-beam or narrow-beam. In thissituation, the base station 105-e may transmit the SI in response to aspecific SI request from a UE 115, and UEs 115 may acquire the SI bymonitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for the concerned UE(e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and as described above.In this situation, the base-station 105-e may transmit the SI by eitherusing a broad-beam transmission of the SI in accordance with on-demandperiodic scheduling targeting a cell edge, using a broad-beamtransmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic schedulingtargeting a group of UEs 115, or by using a narrow-beam transmission ofthe SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting asingle UE 115.

In the event that the base station 105-e is operating in a network usingan on-demand SI mode, meaning that the base station 105-e is to receivea request from a UE 115 prior to the base station 105-e transmitting SI,the base station SI request module 1640 may be used to facilitate thereceipt of such a request. As an example, the base station SI requestmodule 1640 may be used to receive any one of the MSIB transmissionrequest signals 332, 345, 360 of FIG. 3A. The MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360 may be sent in accordance with informationincluded with the periodic sync signals 325, 340, 355, such asdestination and/or timing to be used for the MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360.

The SI transmit module 1645 may be used to facilitate the transmissionof SI to the UEs 115. The SI may be transmitted as a broadcast orbroad-beam operation without any need for a request sent by a UE 115. Inthis example, the SI transmission mode module 1635 may indicate to theSI transmit module 1645 that SI is to be transmitted via a broadcast ora broad-beam operation. The SI transmit module 1645 may then facilitatetransmission of the SI in accordance with information included with theperiodic sync signal 310, such as on a predetermined channel or timingof the SI broadcast. In another example. the SI may be transmitted aseither a broadcast or a unicast (or a broad-beam operation or anarrow-beam operation) in response to a request sent by a UE 115. Inthese examples, the SI transmission mode module 1635 may indicate to theSI transmit module 1645 that SI is to be transmitted as either abroadcast or a unicast (or a broad-beam operation or a narrow-beamoperation) in response to a request. The SI transmit module 1645 maythen facilitate transmission of the SI in accordance with informationincluded with the periodic sync signals 325, 340, 355, such as use of apredetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast or unicast (orbroad-beam operation or narrow-beam operation).

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram 1700 of a base station 105-f for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various examples. The basestation 105-f may be an example of one or more aspects of a base station105 described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 14. The base station 105-fmay include a base station (or RRH) receiver module 1610-a, an SItransmission module 1620-a, or a base station (or RRH) transmittermodule 1630-a, which may be examples of the corresponding modules ofbase station 105-e (of FIG. 16). The base station 105-f may also includea processor (not shown). Each of these components may be incommunication with each other. The SI transmission module 1620-a mayinclude an SI transmission mode module 1635-a, a base station SI requestmodule 1640-a, or an SI transmit module 1645-a. The SI transmission modemodule 1635-a may further include a sync signal transmit module 1705 oran SI transmission mode determination module 1710. The base stationreceiver module 1610-a and the base station transmitter module 1630-amay perform the functions of the base station receiver module 1610 andthe base station transmitter module 1630, of FIG. 16, respectively. Inconfigurations of the base station 105-f including one or more RRHs,aspects of one or more of the modules 1610-a, 1620-a, or 1630-a may bemoved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The modules of the base station 105-f may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The sync signal transmit module 1705 of the SI transmission mode module1635-a may be used by the base station 105-f to transmit a periodic syncsignal to indicate to UEs 115 whether SI acquisition is to be performedvia a fixed periodic mode or via an on-demand mode. The sync signaltransmit module 1705 may transmit a periodic sync signal 310, 325, 340,355, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, for example.

The base station 105-f may further operate in a specific SI transmissionmode, which may be determined through the use of the SI transmissionmode determination module 1710. Examples of the different transmissionmodes may be illustrated and described above with relation to FIG. 3A.For example, one transmission mode may include an SI broadcast havingfixed periodic scheduling and targeting a cell edge, as illustrated inthe transmission/reception timeline 305 of FIG. 3A. In this example, thebase station 105-f may transmit a periodic sync signal 310 which mayindicate to UEs 115 that SI information is to be periodically broadcastwithout the need for the UEs 115 to transmit a specific request for SI.

Another transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having anon-demand periodic scheduling and that targets a cell edge, asillustrated in the transmission/reception timeline 320 of FIG. 3A. Inthis example, the base station 105-f may transmit a periodic sync signal325 which may indicate to UEs 115 that SI information is to beperiodically broadcast in response to an MSIB transmission requestsignal 332.

Yet another transmission mode may include an SI broadcast having anon-demand aperiodic scheduling and that targets a group of UEs 115, asillustrated in the transmission/reception timeline 335 of FIG. 3A. Inthis example, the base station 105-f may transmit a periodic sync signal340 which may indicate to UEs 115 that SI information is to beaperiodically broadcast in response to an MSIB transmission requestsignal 345.

A fourth transmission mode may include an SI unicast having on-demandaperiodic scheduling and that targets a single UE 115, as illustrated inthe transmission/reception timeline 350 of FIG. 3A. In this example, thebase station 105-f may transmit a periodic sync signal 355 which mayindicate to UEs 115 that SI information is to be aperiodically unicastin response to an MSIB transmission request signal 360.

The transmission modes described above have been generally describedusing the terms broadcast and unicast, which may be most appropriatelyused when the network in which the base station 105-f is participatingis a non-massive MIMO network. On the other hand, if a massive MIMOenvironment is configured, broad-beam and narrow-beam transmissions maybe used in place of broadcast or unicast transmissions. A broad-beamtransmission may provide wide coverage which can serve more than one UE115, though a broad-beam transmission may require additional radioresources with respect to a narrow-beam transmission which serves only asingle UE 115.

In general, a broad-beam or broadcast operation offers better efficiencyin situations where there are many UEs 115 attempting to acquire SI,while a narrow-beam or unicast operation offers better efficiency insituations where there are a smaller number of UEs 115 attempting toacquire SI.

The SI transmission mode determination module 1710 may facilitate atransition between transmission modes, for example. One implementationmay include the changing of transmission modes based on a number of UEs115 requesting SI acquisition, network load, congestion status, oravailable radio resources.

For example, in a non-massive MIMO situation, if the number of UEs 115requesting SI acquisition is greater than a predetermined thresholdnumber N, then the SI transmission mode determination module 1710 maydetermine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal 310 thatindicates that the SI will be periodically broadcast (e.g., theindicator may indicate that SI transmission is fixed). In thissituation, the base station 105-f may periodically broadcast the SIwithout requiring a specific SI request from a UE 115, and UEs 115 mayacquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for theconcerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and asdescribed above.

If, however, in the non-massive MIMO situation, the number of UEs 115requesting SI acquisition is not greater than or equal to thepredetermined threshold number N, or is smaller than the predeterminedthreshold number N₂, the SI transmission mode determination module 1710may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal 325,340, 355 that indicates that the SI will be transmitted in response to arequest (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission ison-demand). In this situation, the base station 105-f may transmit theSI in response to a specific SI request from a UE 115, and UEs 115 mayacquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for theconcerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and asdescribed above. In this situation, the base-station 105-f may transmitthe SI by either broadcasting the SI in accordance with on-demandperiodic scheduling targeting a cell edge, broadcasting the SI inaccordance with on-demand aperiodic scheduling targeting a group of UEs115, or unicasting the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodicscheduling targeting a single UE 115.

In a massive MIMO situation, if the number of UEs 115 requesting SIacquisition is greater than a predetermined threshold number N, then theSI transmission mode determination module 1710 may determine to includean indicator in a periodic sync signal 310 that indicates that the SIwill be periodically transmitted via a broad-beam operation (e.g., theindicator may indicate that SI transmission is fixed). In thissituation, the base station 105-f may periodically transmit viabroad-beam the SI without requiring a specific SI request from a UE 115,and UEs 115 may acquire the SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTIassigned for the concerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, forexample, and as described above.

If, however, in the massive MIMO situation, the number of UEs 115requesting SI acquisition is not greater than or equal to thepredetermined threshold number N, or is smaller than the predeterminedthreshold number N₂, the SI transmission mode determination module 1710may determine to include an indicator in a periodic sync signal 325,340, 355 that indicates that the SI will be transmitted in response to arequest (e.g., the indicator may indicate that SI transmission ison-demand). The SI transmission may be either broad-beam or narrow-beam.In this situation, the base station 105-f may transmit the SI inresponse to a specific SI request from a UE 115, and UEs 115 may acquirethe SI by monitoring an SI-RNTI and/or an RNTI assigned for theconcerned UE (e.g., a C-RNTI/Z-RNTI) if present, for example, and asdescribed above. In this situation, the base-station 105-f may transmitthe SI by either using a broad-beam transmission of the SI in accordancewith on-demand periodic scheduling targeting a cell edge, using abroad-beam transmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodicscheduling targeting a group of UEs 115, or by using a narrow-beamtransmission of the SI in accordance with on-demand aperiodic schedulingtargeting a single UE 115.

In the event that the base station 105-f is operating in a network usingan on-demand SI mode, meaning that the base station 105-f is to receivea request from a UE 115 prior to the base station 105-f transmitting SI,the base station SI request module 1640-a may be used to facilitate thereceipt of such a request. As an example, the base station SI requestmodule 1640-a may be used to receive any one of the MSIB transmissionrequest signals 332, 345, 360 of FIG. 3A. The MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360 may be sent in accordance with informationincluded with the periodic sync signals 325, 340, 355, such asdestination and/or timing to be used for the MSIB transmission requestsignals 332, 345, 360.

The SI transmit module 1645-a may be used to facilitate the transmissionof SI to the UEs 115. The SI may be transmitted as a broadcast orbroad-beam operation without any need for a request sent by a UE 115. Inthis example, the SI transmission mode module 1635-a may indicate to theSI transmit module 1645-a that SI is to be transmitted via a broadcastor a broad-beam operation. The SI transmit module 1645-a may thenfacilitate transmission of the SI in accordance with informationincluded with the periodic sync signal 310, such as on a predeterminedchannel or timing of the SI broadcast. In another example. the SI may betransmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast (or a broad-beamoperation or a narrow-beam operation) in response to a request sent by aUE 115. In these examples, the SI transmission mode module 1635-a mayindicate to the SI transmit module 1645-a that SI is to be transmittedas either a broadcast or a unicast (or a broad-beam operation or anarrow-beam operation) in response to a request. The SI transmit module1645-a may then facilitate transmission of the SI in accordance withinformation included with the periodic sync signals 325, 340, 355, suchas use of a predetermined channel or timing of the SI broadcast orunicast (or broad-beam operation or narrow-beam operation).

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram 1800 of a base station 105-g for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The base station 105-g may be an example of aspectsof one or more of the base stations 105 described with reference toFIGS. 1-6, 16, and 17. The base station 105-g may include a base station(or RRH) receiver module 1610-b, an SI transmission module 1620-b, or abase station (or RRH) transmitter module 1630-b, which may be examplesof the corresponding modules of base station 105-e (of FIG. 16). Thebase station 105-g may also include a processor (not shown). Each ofthese components may be in communication with each other. The SItransmission module 1620-b may include a service-specific SItransmission mode module 1805, a base station service-specific SIrequest module 1810, or an SI transmit module 1645-b. The base stationreceiver module 1610-b and the base station transmitter module 1630-bmay perform the functions of the base station receiver module 1610 andthe base station transmitter module 1630, of FIG. 16, respectively. Inaddition, the base station receiver module 1610-b may be used to receiveSI signals such as the SIB Tx requests 372, 388 of FIG. 3B; and the basestation transmitter module 1630-b may be used to transmitservice-specific SIBs 375, 390 of FIG. 3B. In configurations of the basestation 105-g including one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of themodules 1610-b, 1620-b, or 1630-b may be moved to each of the one ormore RRHs.

The modules of the base station 105-g may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

In some examples, the base station receiver module 1610-b may include atleast one RF receiver. The base station receiver module 1610-b or RFreceiver may be used to receive various types of data or control signals(i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wirelesscommunication system, such as one or more communication links of thewireless communication system 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. Asan example, the base station receiver module 1610-b may be used toreceive a request for service-specific SI, as described with referenceto FIG. 3B. The receipt and processing of the service-specific SIrequests (for example, the SIB Tx requests 372, 388 of FIG. 3B) may beadditionally facilitated through the SI transmission module 1620-b, asdescribed in greater detail below.

In some examples, the base station transmitter module 1630-b may includeat least one RF transmitter. The base station transmitter module 1630-bor RF transmitter may be used to transmit various types of data orcontrol signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communicationlinks of a wireless communication system, such as one or morecommunication links of the wireless communication system 100 describedwith reference to FIG. 1. As an example, the base station transmittermodule 1630-b may be used to transmit a service-specific periodic syncsignal 370, 385 and service-specific SIBs 375, 390, as described withreference to FIG. 3B. The transmission of the service-specific periodicsync signals 370, 385 and service-specific SIBs 375, 390, for example,may be additionally facilitated through the SI transmission module1620-b, as described in greater detail below.

The SI transmission module 1620-b may be used to manage one or moreaspects of wireless communication for the base station 105-g. Inparticular, in the base station 105-g, the SI transmission module 1620-bmay be used to facilitate the transmission of service-specific SI to aUE 115, in accordance to aspects of some of the embodiments describedabove. The SI transmission module 1620-b may include a service-specificSI transmission mode module 1805, a base station service-specific SIrequest module 1810, or an SI transmit module 1645-b.

The service-specific SI transmission mode module 1805 may be used by thebase station 105-g to facilitate transmission by the base station 105-gof a service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, for example. The transmitted service-specific periodic syncsignal 370, 385 may indicate to a UE 115 that service-specific SI isavailable for the UE 115. The service-specific periodic sync signal 370,385 may also indicate whether the UE 115 is to transmit one or morerequest signals, such as an SIB Tx request 372, 388, for example, inorder to receive a service-specific SIB 375, 390. A service-specificperiodic sync signal 370 may indicate that the service-specific SI is tobe broadcast at a specific time and using specific resources.Alternatively, a service-specific periodic sync signal 370 may indicatethat the service-specific SI is to be requested in accordance with aschedule. In yet another embodiment, a service-specific periodic syncsignal 385 may indicate that service-specific SI is available by requestbut that a UE 115 must explicitly request the service-specific SI.

In the event that the service-specific SI transmission mode module 1805indicates in a service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385 that a UE115 is to transmit a request for service-specific SI, the base stationservice-specific SI request module 1810 may be used by the base station105-g to receive any such requests. Requests for service-specific SI maybe in the form of SIB Tx requests 372, 288, as described in FIG. 3B. AnSIB Tx request 372 may be received by the base station service-specificSI request module 1810 at a time indicated in a schedule included withthe service-specific periodic sync signal 370, and may thus indicate tothe base station 105-g that a corresponding service-specific SI is to betransmitted to the requesting UE 115. Alternatively, the base station105-g may receive an SIB Tx request 388 which explicitly requestsservice-specific SI.

The SI transmit module 1645-b may be used to facilitate the transmissionof service-specific SI to a UE 115. The service-specific SI may betransmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent by a UE115. In this example, the service-specific SI transmission mode module1805 may indicate to the SI transmit module 1645-b that service-specificSI is to be transmitted via a broadcast. The SI transmit module 1645-bmay then facilitate transmission of the service-specific SI inaccordance with a service-specific periodic sync signal 370, forexample, using a predetermined channel or timing of the service-specificSI broadcasts. In another example. the service-specific SI may betransmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response to a requestsent by a UE 115. In these examples, the service-specific SItransmission mode module 1805 may indicate to the SI transmit module1645-b that service-specific SI is to be transmitted as either abroadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SI transmit module1645-b may then facilitate transmission of the service-specific SI inaccordance with information included with the service-specific periodicsync signal 370, 385 and in accordance with a received SIB Tx request372, 388.

FIG. 19 shows a block diagram 1900 of a base station 105-h for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The base station 105-h may be an example of aspectsof one or more of the base stations 105 described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-18. The base station 105-h may include a base station(or RRH) receiver module 1610-c, an SI transmission module 1620-c, or abase station (or RRH) transmitter module 1630-c, which may be examplesof the corresponding modules of base station 105-e (of FIG. 16). Thebase station 105-h may also include a processor (not shown). Each ofthese components may be in communication with each other. The SItransmission module 1620-c may include a service-specific SItransmission mode module 1805-a, a base station service-specific SIrequest module 1810-a, or an SI transmit module 1645-c. Theservice-specific SI transmission mode module 1805-a may further includea sync signal transmit module 1905 and/or a service-specific SItransmission mode determination module 1910. The base station receivermodule 1610-c and the base station transmitter module 1630-c may performthe functions of the base station receiver module 1610 and the basestation transmitter module 1630, of FIG. 16, respectively. In addition,the base station receiver module 1610-c may be used to receive SIsignals such as the SIB Tx requests 372, 388 of FIG. 3B; and the basestation transmitter module 1630-c may be used to transmitservice-specific SIBs 375, 390 of FIG. 3B. In configurations of the basestation 105-h including one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more of themodules 1610-c, 1620-c, or 1630-c may be moved to each of the one ormore RRHs.

The modules of the base station 105-h may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The SI transmission module 1620-c may be used to manage one or moreaspects of wireless communication for the base station 105-h. Inparticular, in the base station 105-h, the SI transmission module 1620-cmay be used to facilitate the transmission of service-specific SI to aUE 115, in accordance to aspects of some of the embodiments describedabove.

The service-specific SI transmission mode module 1805-a may include async signal transmit module 1905 and/or a service-specific SItransmission mode determination module 1910. The sync signal transmitmodule 1905 may be used by the base station 105-h to facilitatetransmission by the base station 105-h of a service-specific periodicsync signal 370, 385, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, for example. Thetransmitted service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385 may indicateto a UE 115 whether service-specific SI is available for the UE 115, andwhether the UE 115 may obtain the service-specific SI through broadcastor request. Thus, the service-specific SI transmission modedetermination module 1910 may be used to determine how a UE 115 is toobtain service-specific SI, and then the service-specific SItransmission mode determination module 1910 can include that indicationwithin a service-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385. Therefore, aservice-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385 may indicate whether a UE115 is to transmit one or more request signals, such as an SIB Txrequest 372, 388, for example, in order to receive a service-specificSIB 375, 390. A service-specific periodic sync signal 370 may indicatethat the service-specific SI is to be broadcast at a specific time andusing specific resources. Alternatively, a service-specific periodicsync signal 370 may indicate that the service-specific SI is to berequested in accordance with a schedule. In yet another embodiment, aservice-specific periodic sync signal 385 may indicate thatservice-specific SI is available by request but that a UE 115 mustexplicitly request the service-specific SI.

In the event that the service-specific SI transmission modedetermination module 1910 indicates in a service-specific periodic syncsignal 370, 385 that a UE 115 is to transmit a request forservice-specific SI, the base station service-specific SI request module1810-a may be used by the base station 105-h to receive any suchrequests. Requests for service-specific SI may be in the form of SIB Txrequests 372, 288, as described in FIG. 3B. An SIB Tx request 372 may bereceived by the base station service-specific SI request module 1810-aat a time indicated in a schedule included with the service-specificperiodic sync signal 370, and may thus indicate to the base station105-h that a corresponding service-specific SI is to be transmitted tothe requesting UE 115. Alternatively, the base station 105-h may receivean SIB Tx request 388 which explicitly requests service-specific SI.

The SI transmit module 1645-c may be used to facilitate the transmissionof service-specific SI to a UE 115. The service-specific SI may betransmitted as a broadcast without any need for a request sent by a UE115. In this example, the service-specific SI transmission modedetermination module 1910 may indicate to the SI transmit module 1645-cthat service-specific SI is to be transmitted via a broadcast. The SItransmit module 1645-c may then facilitate transmission of theservice-specific SI in accordance with a service-specific periodic syncsignal 370, for example, using a predetermined channel or timing of theservice-specific SI broadcasts. In another example. the service-specificSI may be transmitted as either a broadcast or a unicast in response toa request sent by a UE 115. In these examples, the service-specific SItransmission mode determination module 1910 may indicate to the SItransmit module 1645-c that service-specific SI is to be transmitted aseither a broadcast or a unicast in response to a request. The SItransmit module 1645-c may then facilitate transmission of theservice-specific SI in accordance with information included with theservice-specific periodic sync signal 370, 385 and in accordance with areceived SIB Tx request 372, 388.

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram 2000 of a base station 105-i for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The base station 105-i may be an example of aspectsof one or more of the base stations 105 described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-19. The base station 105-i may include a base station(or RRH) receiver module 1610-d, an SI transmission module 1620-d, or abase station (or RRH) transmitter module 1630-d, which may be examplesof the corresponding modules of base station 105-e (of FIG. 16). Thebase station 105-i may also include a processor (not shown). Each ofthese components may be in communication with each other. The SItransmission module 1620-d may include a master SI transmissionmanagement module 2005, an SI request processing module 2010, or another SI transmission management module 2015. The base station receivermodule 1610-d and the base station transmitter module 1630-d may performthe functions of the base station receiver module 1610 and the basestation transmitter module 1630, of FIG. 16, respectively. In addition,the base station receiver module 1610-d may be used to receive SIsignals such as the MSIB transmission request signal 332, 345, 360, 415,or 615 of FIGS. 3A, 4, and 6, or the OSIB transmission request 430 or630 of FIGS. 4 and 6; and the base station transmitter module 1630-d maybe used to transmit SI signals such as the OSIB 440, 445, 640, or 645 ofFIGS. 4 and 6. In configurations of the base station 105-i including oneor more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules 1610-d, 1620-d, or1630-d may be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The modules of the base station 105-i may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The master SI transmission management module 2005 may be used totransmit a first set of system information (e.g., master systeminformation, such as the master system information included in the MSIBtransmitted at 420 in FIG. 4).

The SI request processing module 2010 may be used to receive a request(e.g., the OSIB transmission request received at 430 in FIG. 4) foradditional system information (e.g., non-master system information, suchas the other information described with reference to FIG. 4).

The other SI transmission management module 2015 may be used to transmitthe additional system information based at least in part on the request(e.g., to transmit the other system information included in the OSIBtransmitted at 440 or 445 in FIG. 4).

In some embodiments, transmitting the first set of system informationusing the master SI transmission management module 2005 may includetransmitting an indication of one or more sets of additional systeminformation that are available. In some embodiments, receiving therequest for the additional system information using the SI requestprocessing module 2010 may include receiving one or multiple requestsfor additional system information corresponding to multiple sets ofadditional system information to be transmitted. For example, the SIrequest processing module 2010 may receive a single OSIB transmissionrequest indicating one or a plurality of elements of additional systeminformation that a UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in theOSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element ofadditional system information that the UE would like to receive). Inother examples, a UE may request some types of additional systeminformation in different OSIB transmission requests, and the SI requestprocessing module 2010 may receive a plurality of OSIB transmissionrequests.

In some embodiments, transmitting the additional system informationusing the other SI transmission management module 2015 may include atleast one of: transmitting system information indicating which RATs areavailable in a region and how a UE is to select an available RAT;transmitting system information indicating which services are availablein a region and how a UE is to obtain an available service; transmittingsystem information relating to an MBMS or a PWS service; transmittingsystem information relating to location, positioning, or navigationservices; or transmitting system information based at least in part on adetermined location of a UE.

In some embodiments, receiving the request for additional systeminformation using the SI request processing module 2010 may includereceiving, in the request, one or more capabilities of a UE transmittingthe request. In these embodiments, transmitting the additional systeminformation using the other SI transmission management module 2015 mayinclude transmitting system information based at least in part on theone or more capabilities of the base station 105-i included in therequest.

In some embodiments, receiving the request for additional systeminformation using the SI request processing module 2010 may includereceiving, in the request, a location of a UE transmitting the request.In these embodiments, the other SI transmission management module 2015may identify the additional system information to transmit based atleast in part on the location of the UE included in the request.Alternatively, the other SI transmission management module 2015 maydetermine a location of the UE transmitting the request, and identifythe additional system information to transmit based at least in part onthe location of the UE.

In some embodiments, receiving the request for additional systeminformation using the SI request processing module 2010 may includereceiving, in the request, an identification of a UE transmitting therequest. In these embodiments, the other SI transmission managementmodule 2015 may identify the additional system information to transmitbased at least in part on the identification of the UE included in therequest. In some cases, the additional system information may beidentified by accessing a database that includes the identification ofthe UE transmitting the request and one or more capabilities of the UE.

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram 2100 of a base station 105-j for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The base station 105-j may be an example of aspectsof one or more of the base stations 105 described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-20. The base station 105-j may include a base station(or RRH) receiver module 1610-e, an SI transmission module 1620-e, or abase station (or RRH) transmitter module 1630-e, which may be examplesof the corresponding modules of base station 105-e, 105-g, or 105-i (ofFIG. 16, 18, or 20). The base station 105-j may also include a processor(not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with eachother. The SI transmission module 1620-e may include a sync signaltransmission management module 2105, a master SI transmission managementmodule 2005-a, an SI request processing module 2010-a, or an other SItransmission management module 2015-a. The base station receiver module1610-e and the base station transmitter module 1630-e may perform thefunctions of the base station receiver module 1610 and the base stationtransmitter module 1630, of FIG. 16, 18, or 20. In configurations of thebase station 105-j including one or more RRHs, aspects of one or more ofthe modules 1610-e, 1620-e, or 1630-e may be moved to each of the one ormore RRHs.

The modules of the base station 105-j may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The sync signal transmission management module 2105 may be used tobroadcast information on a downlink channel. The information mayindicate that master system information (e.g., an MSIB) is transmittedin response to a master system information request (e.g., an MSIBtransmission request such as the MSIB transmission request received at415 in FIG. 4) received from a UE. In some examples, the downlinkchannel may include a synchronization signal (e.g., the instance of theperiodic sync signal transmitted at 405 in FIG. 4). The information maybe included in (or associated with) the synchronization signal.

The SI request processing module 2010-a may be used to receive a mastersystem information request (e.g., in accordance with the informationbroadcast on the downlink channel). In some cases, receiving the mastersystem information request may include receiving, in the request, anidentification of one or more capabilities of a UE transmitting therequest.

The master SI transmission management module 2005-a may be used totransmit, in response to receiving the master system informationrequest, the master system information (e.g., the master systeminformation included in the MSIB received at 420 in FIG. 4). In somecases, the master system information may include system information thatallows a UE to perform an initial access of a network using one or moreof an identification of the network, an identification of the basestation, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or anetwork access configuration.

The SI request processing module 2010-a may also be used to receive arequest for additional system information (e.g., the OSIB transmissionrequest received at 430 in FIG. 4).

In some examples, the other SI transmission management module 2015-a maybe used to transmit the additional system information (e.g., non-mastersystem information, such as the other system information described withreference to FIG. 4) based at least in part on the request. In somecases, the additional system information may be identified based atleast in part on one or more capabilities of the UE identified in themaster system information request. The additional system information mayalso be identified based at least in part on information received in therequest.

In some embodiments, transmitting the first set of system informationusing the master SI transmission management module 2005-a may includetransmitting an indication of one or more sets of additional systeminformation that are available. In some embodiments, receiving therequest for the additional system information by the SI requestprocessing module 2010-a may include receiving multiple requests foradditional system information corresponding to multiple sets ofadditional system information to be transmitted. For example, the SIrequest processing module 2010-a may receive a single OSIB transmissionrequest indicating one or a plurality of elements of additional systeminformation that a UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in theOSIB transmission request may be set to TRUE for each element ofadditional system information that the UE would like to receive). Inother examples, a UE may request some types of additional systeminformation in different OSIB transmission requests, and the SI requestprocessing module 2010-a may receive a plurality of OSIB transmissionrequests.

FIG. 22 shows a block diagram 2200 of a base station 105-k for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The base station 105-k may be an example of aspectsof one or more of the base stations 105 described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-21. The base station 105-k may include a base station(or RRH) receiver module 1610-f, an SI transmission module 1620-f, or abase station (or RRH) transmitter module 1630-f, which may be examplesof the corresponding modules of base station 105-e (of FIG. 16). Thebase station 105-k may also include a processor (not shown). Each ofthese components may be in communication with each other. The SItransmission module 1620-f may include an SI transmission managementmodule 2205 or an SI request processing module 2210. The base stationreceiver module 1610-f and the base station transmitter module 1630-fmay perform the functions of the base station receiver module 1610 andthe base station transmitter module 1630, of FIG. 16, respectively. Inaddition, the base station receiver module 1610-f may be used to receiveSI signals such as the MSIB transmission request signal 332, 345, 360,415, or 615 of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 6, or the OSIB transmission request430 or 630 of FIGS. 4 and 6; and the base station transmitter module1630-f may be used to transmit SI signals such as the OSIB 440, 445,640, or 645 of FIGS. 4 and 6, a value tag associated with SI, or a zoneidentifier. In configurations of the base station 105-k including one ormore RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules 1610-f, 1620-f, or1630-f may be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The modules of the base station 105-k may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The SI transmission management module 2205 may be used to transmit afirst signal (e.g., a sync signal or paging message such as the instanceof the periodic sync signal or paging message transmitted at 605 in FIG.6 or the MSIB transmitted at 620 in FIG. 6) from a base station to a UE.At the time of transmission of the first signal, the UE may communicatewith a network using first system information. The first signal mayinclude information to allow the UE to determine to request updatedsystem information.

The SI request processing module 2210 may be used to receive a requestfrom the UE for updated system information (e.g., the MSIB transmissionrequest received at 615 in FIG. 6 or the OSIB transmission requestreceived at 630 in FIG. 6).

The SI transmission management module 2205 may also be used to transmitthe updated system information (e.g., the MSIB transmitted at 620 inFIG. 6 or the OSIB transmitted at 640 or 645 in FIG. 6) based at leastin part on the request.

In some embodiments, transmitting the first signal using the SItransmission management module 2205 may include transmitting a zoneidentifier (e.g., an area code, a B SIC, or another cell identifier). Insome cases, the zone identifier may be transmitted as part of asynchronization signal. In some cases, the zone identifier may identifyone of the neighbor RATs of zones 510, 515, or 520 described withreference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 23 shows a block diagram 2300 of a base station 105-l for use inwireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The base station 105-l may be an example of aspectsof one or more of the base stations 105 described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 and 16-22. The base station 105-l may include a base station(or RRH) receiver module 1610-g, an SI transmission module 1620-g, or abase station (or RRH) transmitter module 1630-g, which may be examplesof the corresponding modules of base station 105-e, 105-g, or 105-k (ofFIG. 16, 18, or 20). The base station 105-l may also include a processor(not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with eachother. The SI transmission module 1620-g may include an SI transmissionmanagement module 2205-a or an SI request processing module 2210-a. Thebase station receiver module 1610-g and the base station transmittermodule 1630-g may perform the functions of the base station receivermodule 1610 and the base station transmitter module 1630, of FIG. 16,18, 20, or 22. In configurations of the base station 105-l including oneor more RRHs, aspects of one or more of the modules 1610-g, 1620-g, or1630-g may be moved to each of the one or more RRHs.

The modules of the base station 105-l may, individually or collectively,be implemented using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all ofthe applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions maybe performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integratedcircuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FPGAs, a SoC, orother Semi-Custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known inthe art. The functions of each module may also be implemented, in wholeor in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to beexecuted by one or more general or application-specific processors.

The SI transmission management module 2205-a may be used to transmit afirst signal (e.g., a sync signal or paging message such as the instanceof the periodic sync signal or paging message transmitted at 605 in FIG.6, or the MSIB transmitted at 620 in FIG. 6) from a base station to aUE. At the time of transmission of the first signal, the UE maycommunicate with a network using first system information. The firstsignal may include information to allow the UE to determine to requestupdated system information. The first signal may also include anindication that at least a portion of the first system information haschanged.

The SI transmission management module 2205-a may include a modificationflag or value tag transmission management module 2305. The modificationflag or value tag transmission management module 2305 may be used, insome examples, to transmit one or more modification flags, each of whichindicates, by a counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binaryvalue), that a corresponding portion of the first system information haschanged. In some examples, the corresponding portion of the first systeminformation may include a portion of master system information, such asan MSIB or element of an MSIB, In other examples, the correspondingportion of the first system information may include additionalnon-master system information, such as an OSIB or element of an OSIB.The master system information may include one or more of anidentification of the network, an identification of a base station inthe network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, ornetwork access configuration information. The master system informationmay also or alternatively include, for example, one or more otherelements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one ormore elements of the other system information described with referenceto FIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, the modification flag may betransmitted with (or as a part of) the first signal.

The modification flag or value tag transmission management module 2305may also be used, in some examples, to transmit one or more value tagscorresponding to at least a portion (or different portions) of the firstsystem information that has/have changed. In some examples, the one ormore value tags may correspond to one or more portions of master systeminformation (e.g., one or more MSIBs, or one or more elements of one ormore MSIBs), one or more portions of additional non-master systeminformation (e.g., one or more OSIBs, or one or more elements of one ormore OSIBs), or a combination thereof. The master system information mayinclude one or more of an identification of the network, anidentification of a base station in the network, cell selectionconfiguration and access restrictions, or network access configurationinformation. The master system information may also or alternativelyinclude, for example, one or more other elements of the master systeminformation described with reference to FIG. 3A. The additionalnon-master system information may include one or more elements of theother system information described with reference to FIG. 4 or 6. Insome embodiments, one or more value tags may be transmitted with (or asa part of) the first signal.

The SI request processing module 2210-a may be used to receive a requestfrom the UE for updated system information (e.g., to receive the MSIBtransmission request at 615 in FIG. 6, to receive the OSIB transmissionrequest at 630 in FIG. 6).

The SI transmission management module 2205-a may also be used totransmit the updated system information (e.g., the MSIB transmitted at620 in FIG. 6 or the OSIB transmitted at 640 or 645 in FIG. 6) based atleast in part on the request.

FIG. 24A shows a block diagram 2400 of a base station 105-m (e.g., abase station forming part or all of an eNB) for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. In some examples, the base station 105-m may be an exampleof one or more aspects of the base station 105 described with referenceto FIGS. 1-6 and 16-23. The base station 105-m may be configured toimplement or facilitate at least some of the base station features andfunctions described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 14-19.

The base station 105-m may include a base station processor module 2410,a base station memory module 2420, at least one base station transceivermodule (represented by base station transceiver module(s) 2450), atleast one base station antenna (represented by base station antenna(s)2455), or a base station SI transmission module 1620-h. The base station105-m may also include one or more of a base station communicationsmodule 2430 or a network communications module 2440. Each of thesecomponents may be in communication with each other, directly orindirectly, over one or more buses 2435.

The base station memory module 2420 may include RAM or ROM. The basestation memory module 2420 may store computer-readable,computer-executable code 2425 containing instructions that areconfigured to, when executed, cause the base station processor module2410 to perform various functions described herein related to wirelesscommunication, including, for example, transmission of a synchronizationsignal. Alternatively, the code 2425 may not be directly executable bythe base station processor module 2410 but be configured to cause thebase station 105-m (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform variousof the functions described herein.

The base station processor module 2410 may include an intelligenthardware device, e.g., a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. The basestation processor module 2410 may process information received throughthe base station transceiver module(s) 2450, the base stationcommunications module 2430, or the network communications module 2440.The base station processor module 2410 may also process information tobe sent to the transceiver module(s) 2450 for transmission through thebase station antenna(s) 2455, to the base station communications module2430, for transmission to one or more other base stations 105-n and105-o, or to the network communications module 2440 for transmission toa core network 130-a, which may be an example of one or more aspects ofthe core network 130 described with reference to FIG. 1. The basestation processor module 2410 may handle, alone or in connection withthe base station SI transmission module 1620-h, various aspects ofcommunicating over (or managing communications over) a wireless medium.

The base station transceiver module(s) 2450 may include a modemconfigured to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to thebase station antenna(s) 2455 for transmission, and to demodulate packetsreceived from the base station antenna(s) 2455. The base stationtransceiver module(s) 2450 may, in some examples, be implemented as oneor more base station transmitter modules and one or more separate basestation receiver modules. The base station transceiver module(s) 2450may support communications on one or more wireless channels. The basestation transceiver module(s) 2450 may be configured to communicatebi-directionally, via the base station antenna(s) 2455, with one or moreUEs, such as one or more of the UEs 115 described with reference to FIG.1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15. The base station 105-mmay, for example, include multiple base station antennas 2455 (e.g., anantenna array). The base station 105-m may communicate with the corenetwork 130-a through the network communications module 2440. The basestation 105-m may also communicate with other base stations, such as thebase stations 105-n and 105-o, using the base station communicationsmodule 2430.

The base station SI transmission module 1620-h may be configured toperform or control some or all of the base station features or functionsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 14-19 related to transmissionof system information. The base station SI transmission module 1620-h,or portions of it, may include a processor, or some or all of thefunctions of the base station SI transmission module 1620-h may beperformed by the base station processor module 2410 or in connectionwith the base station processor module 2410. In some examples, the basestation SI transmission module 1620-h may be an example of the SItransmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16-19.

FIG. 24B shows a block diagram 2405 of a base station 105-p (e.g., abase station forming part or all of an eNB) for use in wirelesscommunication, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. In some examples, the base station 105-p may be an exampleof one or more aspects of the base station 105 described with referenceto FIGS. 1-6 and 16-23. The base station 105-p may be configured toimplement or facilitate at least some of the base station features andfunctions described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 16-23.

The base station 105-p may include a central node (or base stationserver) 2415 and one or more RRHs 2445. The central node 2415 mayinclude a central node processor module 2410-a, a central node memorymodule 2420-a, a central node SI transmission module 1620-i, or a RRHinterface module 2495. In some cases, the central node memory module2420-a may include code 2425-a. The central node 2415 may also includeone or more of a central node communications module 2430-a that maycommunicate with one or more other central nodes or base stations, suchas base stations 105-q or 105-r, or a network communications module2440-a that may communicate with a core network 130-b. Each of thesecomponents may be in communication with each other, directly orindirectly, over one or more buses 2435-a. The central node processormodule 2410-a, central node memory module 2420-a, central node SItransmission module 1620-i, central node communications module 2430-a,network communications module 2440-a, and one or more buses 2435-a mayperform the functions of the base station processor module 2410, basestation memory module 2420, base station SI transmission module 1620,base station communications module 2430, network communications module2440, and buses 2435, of FIG. 24A, respectively.

Each of the one or more RRHs 2445 may include a central node interfacemodule 2490, at least one RRH transceiver module (represented by RRHtransceiver module(s) 2480), and at least one RRH antenna (representedby RRH antenna(s) 2485), Each of these components may be incommunication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one or moreRRH buses 2475. The RRH transceiver module(s) 2480 and RRH antenna(s)2485 may perform the functions of the base station transceiver module(s)2450 and base station antenna(s) 2455, of FIG. 24A, respectively.

The RRH 2445 may also include one or more of a RRH processor module2460, a RRH memory module 2465 (possibly storing code 2470), or a RRH SItransmission module 1620-j. Each of the RRH processor module 2460, RRHmemory module 2465, and RRH SI transmission module 1620-j maycommunicate with other modules of the RRH 2445 via the one or more buses2475. In some examples, some of the functions of the central nodeprocessor module 2410-a, central node memory module 2420-a, or centralnode SI transmission module 1620-i may be offloaded to (or replicatedin) the RRH processor module 2460, RRH memory module 2465, or RRH SItransmission module 1620-j, respectively.

The RRH interface module 2495 and central node interface module 2490 mayprovide a communications interface, between the central node 2415 andRRH 2445, and establish a bi-directional communication link 2498 betweenthe central node 2415 and RRH 2445. The communication link 2498 may insome cases be an optical communication link, but may also take otherforms.

The deployment of one or more RRHs 2445 in communication with centralnode 2415 may be used, for example, to increase the coverage area of thebase station 105-p or position the central node 2415 and RRHs 2445 inmore useful locations. For example, the RRH 2445 may be positioned at alocation free of RF obstructions or on a smaller cell tower.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a MIMO communication system 2500 includinga base station 105-s and a UE 115-m, in accordance with various aspectsof the present disclosure. The MIMO communication system 2500 mayillustrate aspects of the wireless communication system 100 describedwith reference to FIG. 1. The base station 105-s may be an example ofaspects of the base station 105 described with reference to FIG. 1, 2,4, 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24. The base station 105-s maybe equipped with antennas 2534 through 2535, and the UE 115-m may beequipped with antennas 2552 through 2553. In the MIMO communicationsystem 2500, the base station 105-s may be able to send data overmultiple communication links at the same time. Each communication linkmay be called a “layer” and the “rank” of the communication link mayindicate the number of layers used for communication. For example, in a2×2 MIMO communication system where base station 105-s transmits two“layers,” the rank of the communication link between the base station105-s and the UE 115-m is two. In some examples, the MIMO communicationsystem 2500 may be configured for communication using non-massive MIMOtechniques. In other examples, the MIMO communication system 2500 may beconfigured for communication using massive MIMO techniques.

At the base station 105-s, a Tx processor 2520 may receive data from adata source. The transmit processor 2520 may process the data. Thetransmit processor 2520 may also generate control symbols or referencesymbols. A transmit MIMO processor 2530 may perform spatial processing(e.g., precoding) on data symbols, control symbols, or referencesymbols, if applicable, and may provide output symbol streams to thetransmit modulators 2532 through 2533. Each modulator 2532 through 2533may process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) toobtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 2532 through 2533 mayfurther process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, andupconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink (DL) signal. Inone example, DL signals from modulators 2532 through 2533 may betransmitted via the antennas 2534 through 2535, respectively.

The UE 115-m may be an example of aspects of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIG. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15. At theUE 115-m, the UE antennas 2552 through 2553 may receive the DL signalsfrom the base station 105-s and may provide the received signals to themodulator/demodulators 2554 through 2555, respectively. Eachmodulator/demodulator 2554 through 2555 may condition (e.g., filter,amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a respective received signal toobtain input samples. Each modulator/demodulator 2554 through 2555 mayfurther process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtainreceived symbols. A MIMO detector 2556 may obtain received symbols fromall the modulator/demodulators 2554 through 2555, perform MIMO detectionon the received symbols, if applicable, and provide detected symbols. Areceive (Rx) processor 2558 may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave,and decode) the detected symbols, providing decoded data for the UE115-m to a data output, and provide decoded control information to aprocessor 2580, or memory 2582.

The processor 2580 may in some cases execute stored instructions toinstantiate an SI acquisition module 720-i. The SI acquisition module720-i may be an example of aspects of the SI acquisition module 720described with reference to FIGS. 7-15.

On the uplink (UL), at the UE 115-m, a transmit processor 2564 mayreceive and process data from a data source. The transmit processor 2564may also generate reference symbols for a reference signal. The symbolsfrom the transmit processor 2564 may be precoded by a transmit MIMOprocessor 2566 if applicable, further processed by themodulator/demodulators 2554 through 2555 (e.g., for SC-FDMA, etc.), andbe transmitted to the base station 105-s in accordance with thecommunication parameters received from the base station 105-s. At thebase station 105-s, the UL signals from the UE 115-m may be received bythe antennas 2534 through 2535, processed by the demodulators 2532through 2533, detected by a MIMO detector 2536 if applicable, andfurther processed by a receive processor 2538. The receive processor2538 may provide decoded data to a data output and to the processor 2540or memory 2542.

The processor 2540 may in some cases execute stored instructions toinstantiate an SI transmission module 1620-k. The SI transmission module1620-k may be an example of aspects of the SI transmission 1620 moduledescribed with reference to FIGS. 16-24.

The components of the UE 115-m may, individually or collectively, beimplemented with one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all of theapplicable functions in hardware. Each of the noted modules may be ameans for performing one or more functions related to operation of theMIMO communication system 2500. Similarly, the components of the basestation 105-s may, individually or collectively, be implemented with oneor more ASICs adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functionsin hardware. Each of the noted components may be a means for performingone or more functions related to operation of the MIMO communicationsystem 2500.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2600 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 2600 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIG. 1-8, 15, or 25. In some examples a UE may execute oneor more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below. In some examples, the method 2600may be performed by a UE during an initial access procedure.

At block 2605, a UE may receive a first signal, the first signalincluding an indication of whether SI is to be requested by the UE. Thefirst signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and mayindicate to the UE that SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodicbroadcast or broad-beam transmission or through an on-demand broadcast,unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission. Theoperations at block 2605 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 7, 8, 15, or 25, the SIacquisition mode module 735 described with reference to FIG. 7 or 8, orthe sync signal receipt module 805 described with reference to FIG. 8.

At block 2610, a UE may obtain SI in accordance with the indication.Thus, if the indication indicates that SI is to be broadcast without theUE requesting the SI, then the UE may receive the SI in a periodicbroadcast or broad-beam transmission. If the indication indicates thatSI is to be transmitted in response to a UE request, then the UE mayreceive the SI after the UE has submitted a request for the SI. Theoperations at block 2610 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 7, 8, 15, or 25, or the SIreceipt module 745 described with reference to FIG. 7 or 8.

Thus, the method 2600 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for SI acquisition. It should be noted that the method 2600is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 2600may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementationsare possible.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2700 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 2700 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIG. 1-8, 15, or 25. In some examples a UE may execute oneor more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below. In some examples, the method 2700may be performed by a UE during an initial access procedure.

At block 2705, a UE may receive a first signal, the first signalincluding an indication of whether SI is to be requested by the UE. Thefirst signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and mayindicate to the UE that SI is to be acquired through an on-demandbroadcast, unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission.The operations at block 2705 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 7, 8, 15, or 25, the SIacquisition mode module 735 described with reference to FIG. 7 or 8, orthe sync signal receipt module 805 described with reference to FIG. 8.

At block 2710, a UE may send a request for SI in accordance with theindication. The request may be sent in accordance to informationincluded within the first signal, such as destination and/or timinginformation. The operations at block 2710 may be performed using the SIacquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 7, 8, 15, or 25,or the UE SI request module 740 described with reference to FIG. 7 or 8.

At block 2715, a UE may receive SI in response to the request. The SImay be received as an on-demand periodic broadcast or broad-beamtransmission, an on-demand aperiodic broadcast or broad-beamtransmission, or an on-demand aperiodic unicast or narrow-beamtransmission. The operations at block 2715 may be performed using the SIacquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 7, 8, 15, or 25,or the SI receipt module 745 described with reference to FIG. 7 or 8.

Thus, the method 2700 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for SI acquisition. It should be noted that the method 2700is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 2700may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementationsare possible.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2800 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 2800 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIG. 1-8, 15, or 25. In some examples a UE may execute oneor more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below. In some examples, the method 2800may be performed by a UE during an initial access procedure.

At block 2805, a UE may receive a first signal, the first signalincluding an indication of whether SI is to be requested by the UE. Thefirst signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, and mayindicate to the UE that SI is to be transmitted without a need for theUE to request the SI. The operations at block 2805 may be performedusing the SI acquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 7,8, 15, or 25, the SI acquisition mode module 735 described withreference to FIG. 7 or 8, or the sync signal receipt module 805described with reference to FIG. 8.

At block 2810, a UE may receive SI via a second signal in accordancewith the indication, the second signal being transmitted via a broadcastor broad-beam operation. The SI may be received as a fixed periodicbroadcast or broad-beam transmission. The operations at block 2810 maybe performed using the SI acquisition module 720 described withreference to FIG. 7, 8, 15, or 25, or the SI receipt module 745described with reference to FIG. 7 or 8.

Thus, the method 2800 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for SI acquisition. It should be noted that the method 2800is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 2800may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementationsare possible.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 2900 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 2900 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25.In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes tocontrol the functional elements of the base station to perform thefunctions described below. In some examples, the method 2900 may beperformed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block 2905, a base station may transmit a first signal, the firstsignal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by a UE.The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, andmay indicate to a UE that SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodicbroadcast or broad-beam transmission or through an on-demand broadcast,unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission. Theoperations at block 2905 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 75, 24A, 24B, or 25,the SI transmission mode module 1635 described with reference to FIG. 16or 17, or the sync signal transmit module 1705 described with referenceto FIG. 17.

At block 2910, a base station may transmit SI in accordance with theindication. Thus, if the indication indicates that SI is to be broadcastwithout a UE requesting the SI, then the base station may transmit theSI in a periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission. If the indicationindicates that SI is to be transmitted in response to a UE request, thenthe base station may transmit the SI after a UE has submitted a requestfor the SI. The operations at block 2910 may be performed using the SItransmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A,24B, or 25, or the SI transmit module 1645 described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

Thus, the method 2900 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for SI transmission. It should be noted that the method 2900is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 2900may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementationsare possible.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3000 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3000 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25.In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes tocontrol the functional elements of the base station to perform thefunctions described below. In some examples, the method 3000 may beperformed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block 3005, a base station may transmit a first signal, the firstsignal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by a UE.The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, andmay indicate to a UE that SI is to be acquired through an on-demandbroadcast, unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission.The operations at block 3005 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25,the SI transmission mode module 1635 described with reference to FIG. 16or 17, or the sync signal transmit module 1705 described with referenceto FIG. 17.

At block 3010, a base station may receive a request for SI in accordancewith the indication. The request may be received in accordance toinformation included within the first signal, such as destination and/ortiming information. The operations at block 3010 may be performed usingthe SI transmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16,17, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the base station SI request module 1640described with reference to FIG. 16 or 17.

At block 3015, a base station may transmit SI in response to therequest. The SI may be transmitted as an on-demand periodic broadcast orbroad-beam transmission, an on-demand aperiodic broadcast or broad-beamtransmission, or an on-demand aperiodic unicast or narrow-beamtransmission. The operations at block 3015 may be performed using the SItransmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A,24B, or 25, or the SI transmit module 1645 described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

Thus, the method 3000 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for SI transmission. It should be noted that the method 3000is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 3000may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementationsare possible.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3100 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3100 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25.In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes tocontrol the functional elements of the base station to perform thefunctions described below. In some examples, the method 3100 may beperformed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block 3105, a base station may transmit a first signal, the firstsignal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by a UE.The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, andmay indicate to a UE that SI is to be transmitted without a need for theUE to request the SI. The operations at block 3105 may be performedusing the SI transmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS.16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25, the SI transmission mode module 1635 describedwith reference to FIG. 16 or 17, or the sync signal transmit module 1705described with reference to FIG. 17.

At block 3110, a base station may transmit SI via a second signal inaccordance with the indication, the second signal being transmitted viaa broadcast or broad-beam operation. The SI may be transmitted as afixed periodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission. The operations atblock 3110 may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the SItransmit module 1645 described with reference to FIG. 16 or 17.

Thus, the method 3100 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for SI transmission. It should be noted that the method 3100is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 3100may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementationsare possible.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3200 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3200 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25.In some examples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes tocontrol the functional elements of the base station to perform thefunctions described below. In some examples, the method 3200 may beperformed by a base station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block 3205, a base station may transmit a first signal, the firstsignal including an indication of whether SI is to be requested by a UE.The first signal may, in some examples, be a periodic sync signal, andmay indicate to a UE that SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodicbroadcast or broad-beam transmission or through an on-demand broadcast,unicast, broad-beam transmission or narrow-beam transmission. Theoperations at block 3205 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25,the SI transmission mode module 1635 described with reference to FIG. 16or 17.

At block 3210, a base station may transmit SI in accordance with theindication and a transmission mode. Thus, if the indication andtransmission mode indicates that SI is to be broadcast without a UErequesting the SI, then the base station may transmit the SI in aperiodic broadcast or broad-beam transmission. If the indication andtransmission mode indicates that SI is to be transmitted in response toa UE request, then the base station may transmit the SI after a UE hassubmitted a request for the SI. Depending on the transmission mode, thebase station may transmit the SI as either a fixed periodic broadcast orbroad-beam transmission, an on-demand periodic broadcast or broad-beamtransmission, an on-demand aperiodic broadcast or broad-beamtransmission, or an on-demand aperiodic unicast or narrow-beamtransmission. The operations at block 3210 may be performed using the SItransmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A,24B, or 25, or the SI transmit module 1645 described with reference toFIG. 16 or 17.

At blocks 3215, 3220, 3225, or 3230, the base station may change itstransmission mode. Thus, the base station may perform any one or more ofblocks 3215, 3220, 3225, or 3230. Changes in transmission mode may bemade in response to, for example, changes in the numbers of UEsrequesting SI from the base station, network load, congestion status oravailable radio resources.

At block 3215, a base station may change the transmission mode to be abroadcast or broad-beam mode targeting a cell edge and having fixedperiodic scheduling. Changing of the transmission mode may be based onone or more of a number of UEs requesting SI acquisition, network load,congestion status, or available radio resources. The operations at block3215 may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620 describedwith reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25, the SI transmissionmode module 1635 described with reference to FIG. 16 or 17, or the SItransmission mode determination module 1710 described with reference toFIG. 17.

At block 3220, a base station may change the transmission mode to be abroadcast or broad-beam mode targeting a cell edge and having anon-demand periodic scheduling triggered by a request for systeminformation in accordance with the indication. Changing of thetransmission mode may be based on one or more of a number of UEsrequesting SI acquisition, network load, congestion status, or availableradio resources. The operations at block 3220 may be performed using theSI transmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17,24A, 24B, or 25, the SI transmission mode module 1635 described withreference to FIG. 16 or 17, or the SI transmission mode determinationmodule 1710 described with reference to FIG. 17.

At block 3225, a base station may change the transmission mode to be abroadcast or broad-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic schedulingtriggered by a request for system information in accordance with theindication. Changing of the transmission mode may be based on one ormore of a number of UEs requesting SI acquisition, network load,congestion status, or available radio resources. The operations at block3225 may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620 describedwith reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25, the SI transmissionmode module 1635 described with reference to FIG. 16 or 17, or the SItransmission mode determination module 1710.

At block 3230, a base station may change the transmission mode to be aunicast or narrow-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic schedulingtriggered by a request for system information in accordance with theindication. Changing of the transmission mode may be based on one ormore of a number of UEs requesting SI acquisition, network load,congestion status, or available radio resources. The operations at block3230 may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620 describedwith reference to FIGS. 16, 17, 24A, 24B, or 25, the SI transmissionmode module 1635 described with reference to FIG. 16 or 17, or the SItransmission mode determination module 1710 described with reference toFIG. 17.

The operations at blocks 3215, 3220, 3225, 3230 may all be performed bya base station. Alternatively, a base station may perform any one ormore of the operations described at blocks 3215, 3220, 3225, 3230.

Thus, the method 3200 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for SI transmission. It should be noted that the method 3200is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 3200may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementationsare possible.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3300 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3300 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one ormore sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below. In some examples, the method 3300may be performed by a UE receiving system information in a unicast,narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block 3305, a UE may receive a first signal comprising a firstindication, the first indication associated with obtaining systeminformation. The first indication may indicate that system informationis to be obtained via request or via broadcast, for example. Theoperation(s) at block 3305 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 9, 10, 15, or 25, theservice-specific SI acquisition mode module 905 described with referenceto FIG. 9 or 10, or the sync signal receipt module 1005 described withreference to FIG. 10.

At block 3310, a UE may identify one or more services for which systeminformation is to be obtained. The service-specific system informationthat is available may be identified in the first signal. Nevertheless,the UE may determine which of the identified service-specific systeminformation is needed. Alternatively, the UE may determine in theabsence of any identification of available service-specific systeminformation which system information is needed. The operation(s) atblock 3310 may be performed using the SI acquisition module 720described with reference to FIG. 9, 10, 15, or 25, the service-specificSI acquisition mode module 905 described with reference to FIG. 9 or 10,or the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module 1010described with reference to FIG. 10.

At block 3315, a UE may obtain system information for the identified oneor more services in accordance with the first indication. The systeminformation may be obtained by either listening to a broadcast or byrequesting service-specific system information. The operation(s) atblock 3315 may be performed using the SI acquisition module 720described with reference to FIG. 9, 10, 15, or 25, or the UEservice-specific SI request module 910 and the SI receipt module 745described with reference to FIG. 9 or 10.

In some embodiments of the method 3300, obtaining system information mayinclude sending a request for system information for the one or moreservices, and receiving the system information for the one or moreservices in response to the request. In other embodiments, obtainingsystem information may include sending a separate request for systeminformation for each of the one or more services, each request being forsystem information of a difference service, and receiving, individually,system information for the one or more services in response to each ofthe requests.

In some embodiments, receiving the first signal may include receiving asecond indication that system information for the one or more servicesis to be broadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or morepredetermined channels. Receiving the first signal may also includereceiving a second indication that system information for the one ormore services is available.

Thus, the method 3300 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 3300 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 3300 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3400 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3400 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one ormore sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below. In some examples, the method 3400may be performed by a UE receiving system information in a unicast,narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block 3405, a UE may receive a first signal comprising a firstindication, the first indication associated with obtaining systeminformation. The first indication may indicate that system informationis to be obtained via request or via broadcast, for example. Theoperation(s) at block 3405 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 9, 10, 15, or 25, theservice-specific SI acquisition mode module 905 described with referenceto FIG. 9 or 10, or the sync signal receipt module 1005 described withreference to FIG. 10.

At block 3410, a UE may identify one or more services for which systeminformation is to be obtained. The service-specific system informationthat is available may be identified in the first signal. Nevertheless,the UE may determine which of the identified service-specific systeminformation is needed. Alternatively, the UE may determine in theabsence of any identification of available service-specific systeminformation which system information is needed. The operation(s) atblock 3410 may be performed using the SI acquisition module 720described with reference to FIG. 9, 10, 15, or 25, the service-specificSI acquisition mode module 905 described with reference to FIG. 9 or 10,or the service-specific SI acquisition mode determination module 1010described with reference to FIG. 10.

Any one of blocks 3415, 3420, or 3425 may follow after block 3410,depending on the first indication included in the first signal. At block3415, a UE may obtain system information for the identified one or moreservices by sending a request that explicitly identifies the one or moreservices for which system information is to be obtained. Theoperation(s) at block 3415 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 9, 10, 15, or 25, or the UEservice-specific SI request module 910 and the SI receipt module 745described with reference to FIG. 9 or 10.

At block 3420, a UE may obtain system information for the identified oneor more services by sending separate requests for system information foreach of the one or more services for which system information is to beobtained. The operation(s) at block 3420 may be performed using the SIacquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 9, 10, 15, or25, or the UE service-specific SI request module 910 and the SI receiptmodule 745 described with reference to FIG. 9 or 10.

At block 3425, a UE may obtain system information for the identified oneor more services by listening for one or more broadcasts that includethe system information for the one or more services for which systeminformation is to be obtained. The operation(s) at block 3425 may beperformed using the SI acquisition module 720 described with referenceto FIG. 9, 10, 15, or 25, or the SI receipt module 745 described withreference to FIG. 9 or 10.

Thus, the method 3400 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 3400 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 3400 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3500 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3500 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 16-25. In someexamples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to controlthe functional elements of the base station to perform the functionsdescribed below. In some examples, the method 3500 may be performed by abase station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block 3505, a base station may transmit a first signal comprising afirst indication associated with obtaining system information by a UEfor one or more services. The first signal may, in some examples, be aservice-specific periodic sync signal, and may indicate to a UE thatservice-specific SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodic broadcastor broad-beam transmission or by request. The operations at block 3505may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620 described withreference to FIGS. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the service-specific SItransmission mode module 1805 described with reference to FIG. 18 or 19.

At block 3510, a base station may transmit, in accordance with the firstindication, system information associated with services available to theUE, wherein separate transmission are used to transmit the systeminformation for different services and different configurations ofservices. These service-specific SI transmissions may be eitherperiodically broadcast or may be transmitted in response to the receiptof a request from a UE. The operations at block 3510 may be performedusing the SI transmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS.18, 19, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the base station service-specific SI requestmodule 1810 and SI transmit module 1645 described with reference to FIG.18 or 19.

In some embodiments, the base station may further receive a request forsystem information for one or more services in accordance with the firstindication, and may then transmit system information for the one or moreservices in response to the request. In other embodiments, the basestation may receive multiple requests for system information for one ormore services in accordance with the first indication, each requestbeing from the UE and being for system information of a differentservice, and then may transmit system information for the one or moreservices in response to the request. Service-specific system informationmay be transmitted as either a joint transmission or separately.

In some embodiments, the base station may include, in the first signal,a second indication that system information for one or more services isto be broadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or morepredetermined channels. Additionally, the base station may include, inthe first signal, a second indication that system information for one ormore services is available to be requested.

Thus, the method 3500 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for service-specific SI transmission. It should be notedthat the method 3500 is just one implementation and that the operationsof the method 3500 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such thatother implementations are possible.

FIG. 36 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3600 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3600 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 16-25. In someexamples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to controlthe functional elements of the base station to perform the functionsdescribed below. In some examples, the method 3600 may be performed by abase station during an initial access procedure of a UE.

At block 3605, a base station may transmit a first signal comprising afirst indication associated with obtaining system information by a UEfor one or more services. The first signal may, in some examples, be aservice-specific periodic sync signal, and may indicate to a UE thatservice-specific SI is to be acquired through a fixed periodic broadcastor broad-beam transmission or by request. The operations at block 3605may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620 described withreference to FIGS. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the service-specific SItransmission mode module 1805 described with reference to FIG. 18 or 19.

Any one of blocks 3610, 3615, or 3620 may follow after block 3605,depending on the first indication included in the first signal. At block3610, a base station may receive a request that explicitly identifiesone or more services for which system information is to be obtained. Thebase station may then transmit the requested system information. Theoperations at block 3610 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or 25,or the base station service-specific SI request module 1810 and SItransmit module 1645 described with reference to FIG. 18 or 19.

At block 3615, a base station may receive separate requests for systeminformation for each of one or more services for which systeminformation is to be obtained. The base station may then transmit therequested system information. The operations at block 3615 may beperformed using the SI transmission module 1620 described with referenceto FIGS. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the base station service-specificSI request module 1810 and SI transmit module 1645 described withreference to FIG. 18 or 19.

At block 3620, a base station may periodically broadcastservice-specific system information. The periodic broadcast may be inaccordance with information included in the first signal. The operationsat block 3620 may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620described with reference to FIGS. 18, 19, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the SItransmit module 1645 described with reference to FIG. 18 or 19.

Thus, the method 3600 may provide for wireless communication, and inparticular, for service-specific SI transmission. It should be notedthat the method 3600 is just one implementation and that the operationsof the method 3600 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such thatother implementations are possible.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3700 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3700 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one ormore sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below. In some examples, the method 3700may be performed by a UE receiving system information in a unicast,narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block 3705, a UE may receive a first set of system information (e.g.,master system information, such as master system information included inan MSIB). The operation(s) at block 3705 may be performed using the SIacquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the master SI acquisition module 1105 described with reference toFIG. 11 or 12.

At block 3710, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the firstset of system information, that additional system information (e.g.,non-master system information, such as information included in an OSIB)is available. The operation(s) at block 3710 may be performed using theSI acquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 11, 12, 15,or 25, or the SI processing module 1110 described with reference to FIG.11 or 12.

At block 3715, the UE may transmit a request (e.g., an OSIB transmissionrequest) for the additional system information. In some examples, the UEmay transmit a plurality of requests for the additional systeminformation. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission request mayindicate one or a plurality of elements of additional system informationthat the UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIBtransmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additionalsystem information that the UE would like to receive). In otherexamples, the UE may request some types of additional system informationin different OSIB transmission requests, a plurality of OSIBtransmission requests may be transmitted. The operation(s) at block 3715may be performed using the SI acquisition module 720 described withreference to FIG. 11, 12, 15, or 25, or the UE SI request module 1115described with reference to FIG. 11 or 12.

At block 3720, the UE may receive the additional system information. Theoperation(s) at block 3720 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 11, 12, 15, or 25, or theother SI acquisition module 1120 described with reference to FIG. 11 or12.

In some embodiments of the method 3700, receiving the first set ofsystem information may include receiving an indication of one or moresets of additional system information that are available. In someembodiments of the method 3700, transmitting the request for theadditional system information may include identifying, in the requestfor the additional system information, one or more sets of additionalsystem information. In some embodiments, the one or more sets ofadditional system information identified in the request for theadditional system information may include one or more sets of additionalsystem information indicated in the first set of system information.

In some embodiments of the method 3700, receiving the additional systeminformation, at block 3720, may include at least one of: receivingsystem information indicating which RATs are available in a region andhow the UE is to select an available RAT; receiving system informationindicating which services are available in a region and how the UE is toobtain an available service; receiving system information relating to anMBMS or a PWS service; receiving system information relating tolocation, positioning, or navigation services; or receiving systeminformation based at least in part on a determined location of the UE.

In some embodiments of the method 3700, transmitting the request for theadditional system information may include including one or morecapabilities of the UE in the request. In these embodiments, receivingthe additional system information may include receiving systeminformation based at least in part on the one or more capabilities ofthe UE included in the request.

In some embodiments of the method 3700, transmitting the request for theadditional system information may include including a location of the UEin the request. In these embodiments, receiving the additional systeminformation may include receiving system information based at least inpart on the location of the UE included in the request.

In some embodiments of the method 3700, transmitting the request for theadditional system information may include including an identification ofthe UE in the request. In these embodiments, receiving the additionalsystem information may include receiving the additional systeminformation based at least in part on the identification of the UEincluded in the request.

Thus, the method 3700 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 3700 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 3700 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 38 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3800 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3800 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one ormore sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below. In some examples, the method 3800may be performed by a UE receiving system information in a unicast,narrow-beam, broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block 3805, a UE may decode information received from a downlinkchannel. The decoded information may indicate that master systeminformation (e.g., an MSIB) is received in response to a master systeminformation request (e.g., an MSIB transmission request). In someexamples, the downlink channel may include a synchronization signal. Thedecoded information may include information decoded from thesynchronization signal. The operation(s) at block 3805 may be performedusing the SI acquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 11,12, 15, or 25, or the sync signal processing module 1205 described withreference to FIG. 12.

At block 3810, the UE may transmit a master system information requestin accordance with the information decoded from the downlink channel.The operation(s) at block 3810 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 11, 12, 15, or 25, or the UESI request module 1115 described with reference to FIG. 11 or 12.

At block 3815, the UE may receive the master system information. Themaster system information may include system information that allows theUE to perform an initial access of a network using one or more of anidentification of the network, an identification of a base station inthe network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or anetwork access configuration. The operation(s) at block 3815 may beperformed using the SI acquisition module 720 described with referenceto FIG. 11, 12, 15, or 25, or the master SI acquisition module 1105described with reference to FIG. 11 or 12.

At block 3820, the UE may determine, based at least in part on themaster system information, that additional system information isavailable. The operation(s) at block 3820 may be performed using the SIacquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 11, 12, 15, or25, or the SI processing module 1110 described with reference to FIG. 11or 12.

At block 3825, the UE may transmit a request (e.g., an OSIB transmissionrequest) for the additional system information. In some examples, the UEmay transmit a plurality of requests for the additional systeminformation. In some examples, a single OSIB transmission request mayindicate one or a plurality of elements of additional system informationthat the UE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIBtransmission request may be set to TRUE for each element of additionalsystem information that the UE would like to receive). In otherexamples, the UE may request some types of additional system informationin different OSIB transmission requests, a plurality of OSIBtransmission requests may be transmitted. The operation(s) at block 3825may be performed using the SI acquisition module 720 described withreference to FIG. 11, 12, 15, or 25, or the UE SI request module 1115described with reference to FIG. 11 or 12.

At block 3830, the UE may receive the additional system information. Theoperation(s) at block 3830 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 11, 12, 15, or 25, or theother SI acquisition module 1120 described with reference to FIG. 11 or12.

In some embodiments of the method 3800, receiving the master systeminformation may include receiving an indication of one or more sets ofadditional system information that are available. In some embodiments ofthe method 3800, transmitting the request for the additional systeminformation may include identifying, in the request for the additionalsystem information, one or more sets of additional system information.In some embodiments, the one or more sets of additional systeminformation identified in the request for the additional systeminformation may include one or more sets of additional systeminformation indicated in the master system information.

Thus, the method 3800 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 3800 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 3800 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 39 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 3900 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 3900 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 16-25. In someexamples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to controlthe functional elements of the base station to perform the functionsdescribed below. In some examples, the method 3900 may be performed by abase station transmitting system information in a unicast, narrow-beam,broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block 3905, a base station may transmit a first set of systeminformation (e.g., master system information, such as master systeminformation included in an MSIB). The operation(s) at block 3905 may beperformed using the SI transmission module 1620 described with referenceto FIGS. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the master SI transmissionmanagement module 2005 described with reference to FIG. 20 or 21.

At block 3910, the base station may receive a request for additionalsystem information (e.g., non-master system information, such asinformation included in an OSIB). The operation(s) at block 3910 may beperformed using the SI transmission module 1620 described with referenceto FIGS. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the SI request processing module2010 described with reference to FIG. 20 or 21.

At block 3915, the base station may transmit the additional systeminformation based at least in part on the request. The operation(s) atblock 3915 may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the otherSI transmission management module 2015 described with reference to FIG.20 or 21.

In some embodiments of the method 3900, transmitting the first set ofsystem information may include transmitting an indication of one or moresets of additional system information that are available. In someembodiments of the method 3900, receiving the request for the additionalsystem information may include receiving multiple requests foradditional system information corresponding to multiple sets ofadditional system information to be transmitted. For example, the method3900 may include receiving a single OSIB transmission request indicatingone or a plurality of elements of additional system information that aUE would like to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmissionrequest may be set to TRUE for each element of additional systeminformation that the UE would like to receive). In other examples, themethod 3900 may include receiving requests for some types of additionalsystem information in different OSIB transmission requests.

In some embodiments of the method 3900, transmitting the additionalsystem information, at block 3915, may include at least one of:transmitting system information indicating which RATs are available in aregion and how a UE is to select an available RAT; transmitting systeminformation indicating which services are available in a region and howa UE is to obtain an available service; transmitting system informationrelating to an MBMS or a PWS service; transmitting system informationrelating to location, positioning, or navigation services; ortransmitting system information based at least in part on a determinedlocation of a UE.

In some embodiments of the method 3900, receiving the request for theadditional system information may include receiving, in the request, oneor more capabilities of a UE transmitting the request. In theseembodiments, transmitting the additional system information may includetransmitting system information based at least in part on the one ormore capabilities of the UE included in the request.

In some embodiments of the method 3900, receiving the request for theadditional system information may include receiving, in the request, alocation of a UE transmitting the request. In these embodiments, themethod 3900 may include identifying the additional system information totransmit based at least in part on the location of the UE included inthe request. Alternatively, the method 3900 may include determining alocation of a UE transmitting the request, and identifying theadditional system information to transmit based at least in part on thelocation of the UE.

In some embodiments of the method 3900, receiving the request for theadditional system information may include receiving, in the request, anidentification of a UE transmitting the request. In these embodiments,the method 3900 may include identifying the additional systeminformation to transmit based at least in part on the identification ofthe UE included in the request. In some cases, the additional systeminformation may be identified by accessing a database that includes theidentification of the UE transmitting the request and one or morecapabilities of the UE.

Thus, the method 3900 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 3900 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 3900 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 4000 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 4000 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 16-25. In someexamples a base station may execute one or more sets of codes to controlthe functional elements of the base station to perform the functionsdescribed below. In some examples, the method 4000 may be performed by abase station transmitting system information in a unicast, narrow-beam,broadcast, or broad-beam manner.

At block 4005, the base station may broadcast information on a downlinkchannel. The information may indicate that master system information(e.g., an MSIB) is transmitted in response to a master systeminformation request (e.g., an MSIB transmission request) received from aUE. In some examples, the downlink channel may include a synchronizationsignal. The information may be included in (or associated with) thesynchronization signal. The operation(s) at block 4005 may be performedusing the SI transmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS.20, 21, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the sync signal transmission managementmodule 2105 described with reference to FIG. 21.

At block 4010, the base station may receive a master system informationrequest (e.g., in accordance with the information broadcast on thedownlink channel). In some cases, receiving the master systeminformation request may include receiving, in the request, anidentification of one or more capabilities of a UE transmitting therequest. The operation(s) at block 4010 may be performed using the SItransmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, 24A,24B, or 25, or the SI request processing module 2010 described withreference to FIG. 20 or 21.

At block 4015, the base station may transmit, in response to receivingthe master system information request, the master system information. Insome cases, the master system information may include system informationthat allows a UE to perform an initial access of a network using one ormore of an identification of the network, an identification of the basestation, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, or anetwork access configuration. The operation(s) at block 4015 may beperformed using the SI transmission module 1620 described with referenceto FIGS. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the master SI transmissionmanagement module 2005 described with reference to FIG. 20 or 21.

At block 4020, the base station may receive a request for additionalsystem information. The operation(s) at block 4020 may be performedusing the SI transmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS.20, 21, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the SI request processing module 2010described with reference to FIG. 20 or 21.

At block 4025, the base station may transmit the additional systeminformation based at least in part on the request for the additionalsystem information. In some cases, the additional system information maybe identified based at least in part on one or more capabilities of theUE identified in the master system information request. The additionalsystem information may also be identified based at least in part oninformation received in the request for additional system information,or in other ways (e.g., as described with reference to FIG. 38). Theoperation(s) at block 4025 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 20, 21, 24A, 24B, or 25,or the other SI transmission management module 2015 described withreference to FIG. 20 or 21.

In some embodiments of the method 4000, transmitting the master systeminformation may include transmitting an indication of one or more setsof additional system information that are available. In some embodimentsof the method 4000, receiving the request for the additional systeminformation may include receiving multiple requests for additionalsystem information corresponding to multiple sets of additional systeminformation to be transmitted. For example, the method 4000 may includereceiving a single OSIB transmission request indicating one or aplurality of elements of additional system information that a UE wouldlike to receive (e.g., a binary value in the OSIB transmission requestmay be set to TRUE for each element of additional system informationthat the UE would like to receive). In other examples, the method 4000may include receiving requests for some types of additional systeminformation in different OSIB transmission requests.

Thus, the method 4000 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 4000 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 4000 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 41 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 4100 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 4100 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one ormore sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below.

At block 4105, a UE may receive a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, apaging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)). At thetime of receiving the first signal, the UE may communicate with anetwork using first system information. The operation(s) at block 4105may be performed using the SI acquisition module 720 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 25, or the signal processing module1305 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 14.

At block 4110, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the firstsignal, to request updated system information. The operation(s) at block4110 may be performed using the SI acquisition module 720 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 25, or the signal processing module1305 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 14.

At block 4115, the UE may request updated system information based atleast in part on the determining. The operation(s) at block 4115 may beperformed using the SI acquisition module 720 described with referenceto FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 25, or the UE SI request module 1310 describedwith reference to FIG. 13 or 14.

In some embodiments of the method 4100, receiving the first signal mayinclude receiving an indication that at least a portion of the firstsystem information has changed. In some examples, the indication mayinclude a modification flag. The modification flag may indicate, by acounter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that acorresponding portion of system information has changed. In someexamples, the indication may include one or more value tags, asdescribed in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 or 43.

In some embodiments of the method 4100, determining to request updatedsystem information, at block 4110, may include at least one of:identifying that the UE has moved into a zone using second systeminformation that is different from the first system information;identifying that the network has changed at least a portion of the firstsystem information; or identifying that the UE has moved more than apredetermined distance from a location where the UE obtained the firstsystem information a previous time (e.g., from the location where the UEobtained the first system information last time).

In some embodiments of the method 4100, receiving the first signal, atblock 4105, may include receiving a zone identifier (e.g., an area code,a B SIC, or another cell identifier). In some cases, the zone identifiermay be received as part of a synchronization signal. In theseembodiments, the method 4100 may include using the zone identifier toidentify that the UE has moved from a first zone to a second zone.

In some embodiments of the method 4100, determining to request updatedsystem information, at block 4110, may include identifying a distancebetween a current location of the UE and a location where the UEobtained the first system information a previous time (e.g., the lasttime), and determining that the identified distance exceeds apredetermined threshold. In some cases, the predetermined threshold maybe received from the network. In some cases, a location signalidentifying a location of the UE may also be received. The locationsignal may be received, for example, as part of receiving the firstsignal. The location signal may also be received in other ways, such asvia a GNSS (e.g., GPS, Galileo, GLONASS or BeiDou).

Thus, the method 4100 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 4100 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 4100 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 42 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 4200 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 4200 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one ormore sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below.

At block 4205, a UE may receive a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, apaging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)). At thetime of receiving the first signal, the UE may communicate with anetwork using first system information. The first signal may include anindication that at least a portion of the first system information haschanged. The operation(s) at block 4205 may be performed using the SIacquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the signal processing module 1305 described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

At block 4210, the UE may receive one or more modification flags, eachof which indicates, by a counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., abinary value), that a corresponding portion of the first systeminformation has changed. In some examples, the corresponding portion ofthe first system information may include a portion of master systeminformation, such as an MSIB or element of an MSIB, In other examples,the corresponding portion of the first system information may includeadditional non-master system information, such as an OSIB or element ofan OSIB. The master system information may include one or more of anidentification of the network, an identification of a base station inthe network, cell selection configuration and access restrictions, ornetwork access configuration information. The master system informationmay also or alternatively include, for example, one or more otherelements of the master system information described with reference toFIG. 3A. The additional non-master system information may include one ormore elements of the other system information described with referenceto FIG. 4 or 6. In some embodiments, the modification flag received atblock 4210 may be received with (or as part of) the first signalreceived at block 4205. The operation(s) at block 4210 may be performedusing the SI acquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 13,14, 15, or 25, the signal processing module 1305 described withreference to FIG. 13 or 14, or the modification flag or value tagprocessing module 1405 described with reference to FIG. 14.

At block 4215, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the firstsignal or a modification flag (e.g., when a modification flag is set toTRUE), to request updated system information. The operation(s) at block4215 may be performed using the SI acquisition module 720 described withreference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 25, the signal processing module 1305described with reference to FIG. 13 or 14, or the modification flag orvalue tag processing module 1405 described with reference to FIG. 14.

At block 4220, the UE may request updated system information (e.g., anupdated MSIB or OSIB) based at least in part on the determining. Theoperation(s) at block 4220 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 25, or the UESI request module 1310 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 14.

Thus, the method 4200 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 4200 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 4200 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 43 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 4300 forwireless communication at a UE, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. For clarity, the method 4300 is described belowwith reference to aspects of one or more of the UEs 115 described withreference to FIGS. 1-15 and 25. In some examples a UE may execute one ormore sets of codes to control the functional elements of the UE toperform the functions described below.

At block 4305, a UE may receive a first signal (e.g., a sync signal, apaging message, or another type of transmission (e.g., an MSIB)). At thetime of receiving the first signal, the UE may communicate with anetwork using first system information. The first signal may include anindication that at least a portion of the first system information haschanged. The operation(s) at block 4305 may be performed using the SIacquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or25, or the signal processing module 1305 described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14.

At block 4310, the UE may receive one or more value tags correspondingto at least a portion (or different portions) of the first systeminformation that have changed. In some examples, the one or more valuetags may correspond to one or more portions of master systeminformation, one or more portions of additional non-master systeminformation, or a combination thereof. The master system information mayinclude one or more of an identification of the network, anidentification of a base station in the network, cell selectionconfiguration and access restrictions, or network access configurationinformation. The master system information may also or alternativelyinclude, for example, one or more other elements of the master systeminformation described with reference to FIG. 3A. The additionalnon-master system information may include one or more elements of theother system information described with reference to FIG. 4 or 6. Insome embodiments, one or more value tags received at block 4310 may bereceived with (or as part of) the first signal received at block 4305.The operation(s) at block 4310 may be performed using the SI acquisitionmodule 720 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15, or 25, thesignal processing module 1305 described with reference to FIG. 13 or 14,or the modification flag or value tag processing module 1405 describedwith reference to FIG. 14.

At block 4315, the UE may determine, based at least in part on the firstsignal or the one or more value tags, to request updated systeminformation. In some cases, determining to request updated systeminformation may include comparing a received value tag (e.g., a receivedvalue tag associated with an element of non-master system informationincluded in an OSIB) with a previously received value tag (e.g., apreviously received value tag for the element of non-master systeminformation), and determining to request the updated system informationbased at least in part on the comparison (e.g., determining to requestthe updated system information when the value tags do not match). When areceived value tag corresponds to an element of system information thatthe UE is not monitoring, the UE may not compare the value tag to apreviously received value tag, or may not request the element of systeminformation. The operation(s) at block 4315 may be performed using theSI acquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15,or 25, the signal processing module 1305 described with reference toFIG. 13 or 14, or the modification flag or value tag processing module1405 described with reference to FIG. 14.

At block 4320, the UE may request updated system information (e.g., aparticular OSIB or element of an OSIB) based at least in part on thedetermining. The operation(s) at block 4320 may be performed using theSI acquisition module 720 described with reference to FIG. 13, 14, 15,or 25, or the UE SI request module 1310 described with reference to FIG.13 or 14.

Thus, the method 4300 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 4300 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 4300 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 44 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 4400 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 4400 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20,21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or 25. In some examples a base station may executeone or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the basestation to perform the functions described below.

At block 4405, the method 4400 may include transmitting a first signal(e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission(e.g., an MSIB)) from a base station to a UE. At the time oftransmission of the first signal, the UE may communicate with a networkusing first system information. The first signal may include informationto allow the UE to determine to request updated system information. Theoperation(s) at block 4405 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or 25,or the SI transmission management module 2205 described with referenceto FIG. 22 or 23.

At block 4410, the method 4400 may include receiving a request from theUE for updated system information. The operation(s) at block 4410 may beperformed using the SI transmission module 1620 described with referenceto FIGS. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the SI request processing module2210 described with reference to FIG. 22 or 23.

At block 4415, the method 4400 may include transmitting the updatedsystem information based at least in part on the request. Theoperation(s) at block 4415 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or 25,or the SI transmission management module 2205 described with referenceto FIG. 22 or 23.

In some embodiments of the method 4400, transmitting the first signalmay include transmitting an indication that at least a portion of thefirst system information has changed. In some examples, the indicationmay include a modification flag. The modification flag may indicate, bya counter value or Boolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that acorresponding portion of system information has changed. In someexamples, the indication may include one or more value tags, asdescribed in more detail with reference to FIG. 46.

In some embodiments of the method 4400, transmitting the first signal,at block 4305, may include transmitting a zone identifier (e.g., an areacode, a B SIC, or another cell identifier). In some cases, the zoneidentifier may be transmitted as part of a synchronization signal.

Thus, the method 4400 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 4400 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 4400 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 45 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 4500 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 4500 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20,21, 22, 23, 24A. 24B, or 25. In some examples a base station may executeone or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the basestation to perform the functions described below.

At block 4505, the method 4500 may include transmitting a first signal(e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission(e.g., an MSIB)) from a base station to a UE. At the time oftransmission of the first signal, the UE may communicate with a networkusing first system information. The first signal may include informationto allow the UE to determine to request updated system information. Thefirst signal may also include an indication that at least a portion ofthe first system information has changed. The operation(s) at block 4505may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620 described withreference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the SI transmissionmanagement module 2205 described with reference to FIG. 22 or 23.

At block 4510, the method 4500 may include transmitting one or moremodification flags, each of which indicates, by a counter value orBoolean variable (e.g., a binary value), that a corresponding portion ofthe first system information has changed. In some examples, thecorresponding portion of the first system information may include aportion of master system information, such as an MSIB or element of anMSIB, In other examples, the corresponding portion of the first systeminformation may include additional non-master system information, suchas an OSIB or element of an OSIB. The master system information mayinclude one or more of an identification of the network, anidentification of a base station in the network, cell selectionconfiguration and access restrictions, or network access configurationinformation. The master system information may also or alternativelyinclude, for example, one or more other elements of the master systeminformation described with reference to FIG. 3A. The additionalnon-master system information may include one or more elements of theother system information described with reference to FIG. 4 or 6. Insome embodiments, the modification flag transmitted at block 4510 may betransmitted with (or as a part of) the first signal transmitted at block4505. The operation(s) at block 4510 may be performed using the SItransmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A.24B, or 25, the SI transmission management module 2205 described withreference to FIG. 22 or 23, or the modification flag or value tagtransmission management module 2305 described with reference to FIG. 23.

At block 4515, the method 4500 may include receiving a request from theUE for updated system information (e.g., an updated MSIB or OSIB). Theoperation(s) at block 4515 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or 25,or the SI request processing module 2210 described with reference toFIG. 22 or 23.

At block 4520, the method 4500 may include transmitting the updatedsystem information based at least in part on the request. Theoperation(s) at block 4520 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A. 24B, or 25,or the SI transmission management module 2205 described with referenceto FIG. 22 or 23.

Thus, the method 4500 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 4500 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 4500 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 46 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 4600 forwireless communication at a base station, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method 4600 isdescribed below with reference to aspects of one or more of the basestations 105 described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20,21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or 25. In some examples a base station may executeone or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the basestation to perform the functions described below.

At block 4605, the method 4600 may include transmitting a first signal(e.g., a sync signal, a paging message, or another type of transmission(e.g., an MSIB)) from a base station to a UE. At the time oftransmission of the first signal, the UE may communicate with a networkusing first system information. The first signal may include informationto allow the UE to determine to request updated system information. Thefirst signal may also include an indication that at least a portion ofthe first system information has changed. The operation(s) at block 4605may be performed using the SI transmission module 1620 described withreference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A, 24B, or 25, or the SI transmissionmanagement module 2205 described with reference to FIG. 22 or 23.

At block 4610, the method 4600 may include transmitting one or morevalue tags corresponding to at least a portion (or different portions)of the first system information that has/have changed. In some examples,the one or more value tags may correspond to one or more portions ofmaster system information, one or more portions of additional non-mastersystem information, or a combination thereof. The master systeminformation may include one or more of an identification of the network,an identification of a base station in the network, cell selectionconfiguration and access restrictions, or network access configurationinformation. The master system information may also or alternativelyinclude, for example, one or more other elements of the master systeminformation described with reference to FIG. 3A. The additionalnon-master system information may include one or more elements of theother system information described with reference to FIG. 4 or 6. Insome embodiments, one or more value tags transmitted at block 4610 maybe transmitted with (or as a part of) the first signal transmitted atblock 4605. The operation(s) at block 4610 may be performed using the SItransmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A,24B, or 25, the SI transmission management module 2205 described withreference to FIG. 22 or 23, or the modification flag or value tagtransmission management module 2305 described with reference to FIG. 23.

At block 4615, the method 4600 may include receiving a request from theUE for updated system information (e.g., a particular OSIB or element ofan OSIB). The operation(s) at block 4615 may be performed using the SItransmission module 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A,24B, or 25, or the SI request processing module 2210 described withreference to FIG. 22 or 23.

At block 4620, the method 4600 may include transmitting the updatedsystem information based at least in part on the request. Theoperation(s) at block 4620 may be performed using the SI transmissionmodule 1620 described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, 24A. 24B, or 25,or the SI transmission management module 2205 described with referenceto FIG. 22 or 23.

Thus, the method 4600 may provide for wireless communication. It shouldbe noted that the method 4600 is just one implementation and that theoperations of the method 4600 may be rearranged or otherwise modifiedsuch that other implementations are possible.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appendeddrawings describes examples and does not represent the only examplesthat may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. Theterms “example” and “exemplary,” when used in this description, mean“serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred”or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of thedescribed techniques. These techniques, however, may be practicedwithout these specific details. In some instances, well-known structuresand apparatuses are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidobscuring the concepts of the described examples.

Information and signals may be represented using any of a variety ofdifferent technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions,commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may bereferenced throughout the above description may be represented byvoltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles,optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection withthe disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with ageneral-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, anFPGA, an SoC, or another programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Ageneral-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, softwareexecuted by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. Ifimplemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may bestored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on anon-transitory computer-readable medium. Other examples andimplementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appendedclaims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions describedabove can be implemented using software executed by a processor,hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these.Features implementing functions may also be physically located atvarious positions, including being distributed such that portions offunctions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as usedherein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of itemsprefaced by “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list such that,for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C orAB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media andcommunication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of acomputer program from one place to another. A storage medium may be anyavailable medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation,computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, electrically erasableprogrammable ROM (EEPROM), compact disk ROM (CD-ROM) or other opticaldisk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired programcode means in the form of instructions or data structures and that canbe accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or ageneral-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection isproperly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the softwareis transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using acoaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line(DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave,then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, orwireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave areincluded in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein,include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD),floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce datamagnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable aperson skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Variousmodifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the common principles defined herein may beapplied to other variations without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. Throughout this disclosure the term “example” or “exemplary”indicates an example or instance and does not imply or require anypreference for the noted example. Thus, the disclosure is not to belimited to the examples and designs described herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for wireless communication at a userequipment (UE), comprising: receiving a first signal, the first signalcomprising a system information block including a first indication ofwhether system information is to be requested by the UE and a secondindication of at least one of a channel, a frequency, or timinginformation for sending, by the UE, a request for the systeminformation, wherein the first indication is based at least in part onwhether the system information is to be transmitted in a broadcast modeor in an on-demand mode; identifying one or more functions for whichsystem information is to be obtained; sending the request for systeminformation in accordance with the first indication; and receiving thesystem information in accordance with the first indication and therequest, wherein the received system information includes systeminformation for the identified one or more functions.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the on-demand mode comprises an on-demand mode wherethe system information is not broadcast.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising: establishing a connection between the UE and a basestation in accordance with the received system information.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the one or more functions are associated witha service, and wherein the service includes a public warning system(PWS) service.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the systeminformation further comprises: receiving information indicating apredetermined channel on which system information is to be transmittedvia a second broadcast signal via a broadcast or broad-beam operation.6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the system informationfurther comprises one or more of: receiving the system information via asecond signal in accordance with the first indication, the second signalbeing transmitted via a broadcast or broad-beam operation; receiving thesystem information as part of a broad-beam or narrow-beam operation; orreceiving the system information as part of a broadcast or unicastoperation.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the first signalfurther comprises: receiving the first signal as part of a broad-beamoperation or a broadcast operation in a massivemultiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) network.
 8. The method of claim 1,further comprising: identifying one or more services for which systeminformation is to be obtained, wherein receiving the system informationfurther comprises receiving system information for the identified one ormore services in accordance with the first indication.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein receiving the system information further comprises:sending a request for the system information for the one or moreservices; and receiving the system information for the one or moreservices in response to the request.
 10. The method of claim 8, whereinreceiving the system information further comprises: sending a separaterequest for system information for each of the one or more services,each request being for system information of a different service; andreceiving system information for the one or more services in response toeach request.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving the firstsignal further comprises: receiving a third indication that systeminformation for the one or more services is available or is to bebroadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or morepredetermined channels.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving thesystem information further comprises: receiving the system informationfor the one or more services, wherein the system information includesinformation identifying the one or more services for which the systeminformation is valid.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving thesystem information further comprises: receiving the system informationfor one of the one or more services; determining whether additionalsystem information for the one of the one or more services is needed;and requesting additional system information for the one of the one ormore services based at least in part on the determining.
 14. The methodof claim 1, wherein receiving the system information further comprises:receiving the system information for the one or more services, whereinthe system information includes information identifying a validity timeperiod; and re-obtaining the system information for the one or moreservices upon expiration of the validity time period.
 15. The method forwireless communication at a base station, comprising: transmitting afirst signal, the first signal including a first indication of whethersystem information is to be requested by a user equipment (UE) and asecond indication of at least one of a channel, a frequency, or timinginformation for sending, by the UE, a request for the systeminformation, wherein the first indication is based at least in part onwhether the system information is to be transmitted in a broadcast modeor in an on-demand mode; receiving the request for the systeminformation in accordance with the indication; and transmitting thesystem information in accordance with the first indication and therequest, wherein the system information associated with functionsavailable to the UE, wherein separate transmissions are used to transmitthe system information for different functions and differentconfigurations of functions.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein theon-demand mode comprises an on-demand mode where the system informationis not broadcast.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:establishing a connection between a base station and the UE inaccordance with the received system information.
 18. The method of claim15, wherein transmitting the system information further comprises:transmitting the system information via a second signal in accordancewith the indication, the second signal being transmitted via a broadcastor broad-beam operation.
 19. The method of claim 15, whereintransmitting the first signal further comprises: transmitting, in thefirst signal, information indicating a predetermined channel on whichthe system information is to be transmitted via a broadcast orbroad-beam operation.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein transmittingthe system information further comprises: transmitting the systeminformation in accordance with the indication and a transmission mode.21. The method of claim 20, further comprising one or more of: changingthe transmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beam mode targeting acell edge and having fixed periodic scheduling; changing thetransmission mode to be a broadcast or broad-beam mode targeting a celledge and having an on-demand periodic scheduling triggered by therequest for the system information in accordance with the firstindication; changing the transmission mode to be a broadcast orbroad-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling triggered bythe request for the system information in accordance with the firstindication; changing the transmission mode to be a unicast ornarrow-beam mode having an on-demand aperiodic scheduling triggered bythe request for the system information in accordance with the firstindication; or changing the transmission mode based at least in part onnetwork load or congestion status.
 22. The method of claim 15, using abroad-beam or narrow-beam operation to transmit system information, inaccordance with the first indication and a transmission mode.
 23. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising one of: using a broad-beamoperation to transmit the first signal in a massivemultiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) network; using a broadcastoperation to transmit the first signal in a non-massive MIMO network; orusing a broadcast or unicast operation to transmit the systeminformation, in accordance with the first indication and a transmissionmode.
 24. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the systeminformation further comprises: transmitting, in accordance with thefirst indication, system information associated with services availableto the UE, wherein separate transmissions are used to transmit thesystem information for different services and different configurationsof services.
 25. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving arequest for the system information for one or more services inaccordance with the indication; and transmitting the system informationfor the one or more services in response to the request.
 26. The methodof claim 15, wherein transmitting the first signal further comprises:transmitting, in the first signal, a third indication that the systeminformation for one or more services is available to be requested or isto be broadcast at one or more predetermined times and on one or morepredetermined channels.
 27. The method of claim 15, wherein transmittingthe system information further comprises: transmitting, in the systeminformation, information indicating one or more services for which thesystem information is valid.
 28. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: receiving one or more requests for system information forone or more services in accordance with the first indication withouthaving included in the first signal a third indication of which servicessystem information is available.
 29. An apparatus for wirelesscommunication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: a processor; memoryin electronic communication with the processor; and instructions storedin the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to:receive a first signal, the first signal including a first indication ofwhether system information is to be requested by the UE and a secondindication of at least one of a channel, a frequency, or timinginformation for sending, by the UE, a request for the systeminformation, wherein the first indication is based at least in part onwhether the system information is to be transmitted in a broadcast modeor in an on-demand mode; identify one or more functions for which systeminformation is to be obtained; send the request for the systeminformation in accordance with the first indication; and receive thesystem information in accordance with the first indication and therequest, wherein the received system information includes systeminformation for the identified one or more functions.
 30. An apparatusfor wireless communication at a base station, comprising: a processor;memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructionsstored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processorto: transmit a first signal, the first signal including a firstindication of whether system information is to be requested by a userequipment (UE), and a second indication of at least one of a channel, afrequency, or timing information for sending, by the UE, a request forthe system information, wherein the first indication is based at leastin part on whether the system information is to be transmitted in abroadcast mode or in an on-demand mode; receive the request for thesystem information in accordance with the indication; and transmit thesystem information in accordance with the first indication and therequest, wherein the system information associated with functionsavailable to the UE, wherein separate transmissions are used to transmitthe system information for different functions and differentconfigurations of functions.